Gracious Words

Proverbs 16:23-24  The hearts of the wise make their mouths prudent, and their lips promote instruction. Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Proverbs 17:27  The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered.

            Yes, this is one of “those” devotionals – ones that I need to read once I’ve finished writing. Yet I am fairly certain that many of you could use a little reminder as well. While the thoughts are not new and have been voiced by many writers, speakers, and preachers; it seems to be a topic that we do well to revisit particularly during stressful times. How do we handle our responses and words when we are in the midst of stressful situations? And sometimes it isn’t even what we say as it is the way in which we say it that causes a problem—you know, the eyes rolling, the sarcastic voice, the whispered grunt or groan. And long after the words vanish from air, the hurt we caused still lingers.

            I was reminded in an online sermon recently, (Brandon Bruce, Church Experience, Dunedin, FL) that Jesus is our example of using gracious words even in difficult circumstances.

Luke 4:22  All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. “Isn’t this Joseph’s son?” they asked.

            Now keep in mind, this was in reference to Jesus speaking in Nazareth, his hometown; the very place that rejected him. Scriptures tell us in vs. 28-30 that the people in the synagogue were furious enough to drive him out of town with the intention of throwing him off the cliff.  Yet, Jesus, who is our supreme example, remained calm and used gracious words.

            Perhaps now is a good time to examine our own lives. As Pastor Bruce suggested, perhaps we should ask ourselves, “Do the words coming out of my mouth reflect Jesus in my heart?”

 

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            How many times we utter words only to justify ourselves with the excuse of just trying to be funny. Forgive us for careless words that hurt others. Guide us to choose our words wisely and for the purpose of building up and encouraging others. Keep our conversations gracious.

            In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, Amen.

 

The devotional Gracious Words appeared first on Write From My Heart at

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email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com

…with special appreciation for thoughts and ideas from Brandon Bruce, CE, Dunedin, FL