Proverbs 18:21 (NKJV)
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.
There is power in your words. Words have the power to bless or curse. How will you use your words? Will you build up or tear down? What fruit will you eat?
All people need encouragement. As the verse says, life and death are in the power of the tongue. What you say can change someone’s life. Do you encourage people? Do you encourage your spouse? Children need encouragement more than others. Too many of us are critical of their mistakes but don’t offer enough encouragements when they are trying new things. In fact, you can become a “Good Finder”. Look for the good in every situation and praise it when you find it. Sure, you need to discourage bad behavior. But why not put any correction in a praise sandwich?
Ephesians 4:29 says “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Let us not love with words only. Let our deeds match our words. When you love someone, you do what is best for them. Building people up is the key phrase. This world seems to be focused on tearing people down. With just a few words and a smile, you can reverse that trend. So go out to be a Good Finder! How many people can you praise today? Be sincere! If you find someone without a smile, give them one of yours! Speak life into them!
“In every encounter, we either give life or we drain it; There is no neutral exchange.” Brennan Manning
Father, we thank you for this day You have given us. Help us to use it to bless others with kindness. Help us to give life! Let our words encourage those we meet. Help us make encouragement a habit. In Your name we pray!
Speak Life – Toby Mac https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeBv9r92VQ0