We know the words that break us down and leave scars behind. Whether someone has said them to you or you have said them to yourself, you know which ones are the worst for you to hear. But have you heard the words that build you up? The ones meant to remind you that you were made in His image (Genesis 1:27)?
What would the world look like if spent our days leaping over dark pitfalls and extending life-giving waterfalls of loving words to one another?
For the first time in human history, we have the ability to express our every thought to hundreds, thousands, or even millions of people at any moment. The amount of options and their easy accessibility makes it feel like sweet freedom. We are free to tweet or post or gram or record anything we would like, but does it actually make us free?
When you argue about politics on Twitter at 10:00 at night, no one is going to arrest you at 11:00 (in the United States). When you openly disagree with someone’s parenting choices on Facebook at noon, no one is going to confiscate your phone at 12:30. You feel free.
But maybe that person you argued with on Twitter has never had a glimmer of hope in her life and she is clinging to a political candidate to bring the salvation only Jesus can. Maybe that mom you publicly shamed lives with enough shame from her past already. Maybe you expected some grace after your rant, but you are not willing to extend it to others in theirs.
Leaping over dark pitfalls – wanting to be right, wanting to be noticed, or wanting to get ahead – and extending life-giving waterfalls of loving words can change the world, one person at a time.
“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
The wax in honeycomb protects the heart by significantly lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. It also provides antioxidant effects that protect the liver and prevent diabetes. Raw honey wards off infections, sharpens memory, provides allergy relief, and boosts overall immunity, therefore preventing any number of diseases. It also produces an easily absorbed supply of energy, promotes restorative sleep, protects our eyesight, and contains natural anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties with wound-healing effects on eczema, burns, ulcers or even coughs. Also, honey helps with the absorption of calcium into the bones, warding off osteoporosis.
We are just as responsible for the words we type on our fingertips as the words we speak on our tongues. I want all of my words to pour onto others like honey, not fire.
“When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a single spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body.” James 3:3-6
When we let our opinions fly free, we aren’t really free. In fact, we are keeping ourselves and others in bondage. Self-control coupled with our opinions sounds like restrictions, but if we cannot control ourselves, then something else is in control. When we allow God to guide our voice, whether tongued or typed, we are set free from darkness! When we make great boasts for God, not for ourselves, we are walking worthy and living in the light of His glory! When we leap over the dark pitfalls and extend waterfalls of gracious words, we are healing the souls and bones of ourselves and others!
As Paul penned this letter to be spoken to the Thessalonians over 1900 years ago, God knew we would need it now.
“For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with Him. Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
Let us help heal the people of this unique time in history with the unique One. He died for us so that we can live with Him. Lord, let our hearts be aligned with You, the source of everything good, so that our words live with You because we want them to point the world to You! Thank you for the ability to tell others about the salvation in Jesus! It is a saving health. Please show us who you want us to build up today so that we can live out your great commission to first love You in order to love others as we love ourselves. Those are lofty goals, but since they are Yours, we know You will help us move towards them!
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Paul is telling the Thessalonians that they should be sharing the word of God and not fighting amongst themselves. To spread the Gospel, show kindness toward someone as that is why Jesus died on the cross for us. We are to share with someone who is down and out physically mentally or spiritually. Use the tools He gave us.
Sandra,
Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing on the blog. God Bless You!