“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29).
Whenever you think something good, say it! Give life to those thoughts. Speak life-giving words not only to others, but to yourself and to your circumstances.
This week be nothing but positive! No, I am not talking about the power of positive thinking or having a Pollyanna attitude or even looking at life through rose colored glasses! On the contrary, your positive outlook is founded and rooted in the promises and faithfulness of God.
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” (Proverbs 18:21 KJV).
Choose life . . . speak life! Read the Word . . . believe the Word of God. Speak the Word.
“Gentle words are a tree of life” (Proverbs 15:4).
Speak only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. —submitted by Rodney Harrison, US
tom felten on November 7, 2011 at 4:13 pm
Amen, Rodney. We must build and not tear down with our words—speaking the truth in love.
mike wittmer on November 8, 2011 at 11:07 am
Right on, Rodney. I will try to remember that even criticism, when necessary, must be couched in life and love.
jesusmysaviour on November 9, 2011 at 1:43 am
ODJ never fails to give encouragement and guidance to their readers. Note taken. Amen to that.
GChoo on November 9, 2011 at 6:11 am
Rodney what a good reminder.
This is the umpteenth times my senior high school son is almost late for school if i had not woken him up this morning. If i had not stayed close to God’s Word, i would have given him a big telling off. I am so glad and thank God that i have listened to his reason for having overslept. I kept my cool and gave him a gentle advice for the future. He thanked me happily for the lift to school that made me feel appreciated. If i had lashed out at him, though i may have the right, it will damage our relationship and spoil our day. Now we are both at peace.
Thank you God for helping me to be more aware of my emotion and remembering His teaching. What a timely affirmation of God’s teaching. Yes, ‘Gentle words are a tree of life (Proverbs 15:4).