Being Gracious Costs Nothing

Proverbs 16:24 ESV
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Today I’ll take a different approach, how about if we just strengthen, encourage and build people up with our words. How about we lead by example, correct in a manner that the hearer still feels wanted, loved and valued. If we get hurt, we can just tell them that they hurt us, not just rip into them with our words like a mountain lion.

It sounds like a simple concept, but I do know there are people out there who just hurt people because they are missing a few nuts and bolts in their life and thought process. They have not fully developed into who Jesus wants them to be.

I grew up with little encouragement but I still knew I was loved. What that generation failed to do, I picked up in the Word of God, and through the Holy Spirit. I know when I say something off color to my wife or a friend, I can’t take those words back…ever, they are out there forever.

The second problem is, people put up a natural defense in order to not be hurt again, that’s just human nature. Build up, encourage, and if we have to give any critism, make it ultra constructive according to the hearers standards, not ours.

“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”

Prayer:
Father, You have never wounded me with Your Words, but I have been corrected many many times. Even though I have been corrected many times, each time I come out feeling loved! Teach me to follow Your example!