April 29, 2021
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. Proverbs 12:18, 25 ESV
Our words have the power to uplift others and bring encouragement, joy, and restoration, or they can wound like a “thrust sword” and provoke feelings of hopelessness and despair. For those of us on the listening end of the conversation, we need to choose wisely those to whom we will give our time and attention. There is much press across the airwaves that intentionally invokes fear as a means of grabbing our attention. And there are those in our company who are quick to share their opinions without considering the impact of their words. As such, for those of us on the speaking end of the dialogue, we need to exercise prudence in discerning what others need to hear versus what we want them to hear. When we do, we plant seeds of hope and healing that the Holy Spirit germinates into gladness of heart.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
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