There is an old saying “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”.  We, however, have come to understand that words can indeed hurt. They don’t break bones, nor do they leave bruises, but they can surely break a person’s spirit or destroy a healthy self image.  Words can discourage initiative and destroy reconciliation.

 

                But on the other hand, words can also do just the opposite.  Words are powerful and the Bible has things to say about that.  For instance, Proverbs 12:18 says “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”  That is a deep truth, isn’t it?  But the Bible also carries that wisdom even further in regard to the Christian life when it says in James 3:9-10 “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”

 

            In our every day demeanor, our personal interactions with others, we can be a blessing or a curse. We can be an encourager or a destroyer.  We can make someone’s day or break someone’s day.  Do we really have to think about which the Lord would have us be?  As I said from the pulpit a few weeks ago, perhaps that grouchy cashier or obstinate sales person, or rude receptionist isn’t placed there by Satan to test your patience and ruin your day.  Perhaps you were placed there by God to bless someone in need of encouragement or a show of human compassion.

 

           As you live daily strive to be a blessing. Work at being compassionate.  Be God’s encourager.

 

Say good things about your Savior and His Church on the Bluff.