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Kind words warm the soul
by Sheri Ables

Words spoken have the power to build up or tear down. The Bible clearly tells us:

27 A man of knowledge uses words with restraint, and a man of understanding is even-tempered. 28 Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue. Proverbs 17:27-28 (NIV)

When we speak before thinking, we risk not only hurting another person but also risk ruining that relationship. The old adage “stick and stones…but words can never hurt me” is just that –old. Words can hurt. Ill-spoken words do hurt.

Have you hurt someone with words? Have you made amends? Maybe it is time to look deep within and decide what is more important –pride or peace? Maybe you even feel that your words deserved. However, that doesn’t make them any more right to say. Consider, for example, someone’s appearance. We all know there are pretty people and those who aren’t as pleasing to the eye. Just because some is not pretty or handsome, should we tell him they are “ugly”? Of course not, you say. The same is true of all words spoken.

Whether the relationship is marriage, dating, family or friend, one must think before speaking. One thing that I find works is to ask yourself how you would feel if someone said the same thing to you. Would you understand? Would you feel offended? Would you be hurt?

What if you are the target of harsh words? Do you ever hear the excuse “I am outspoken” or “That’s just the way I am”? That is a person’s way of silently saying that your feelings do not really matter. We are called to be Christ-like.

What rolls off our tongues represents much about who we are. Do you want to be recognized as courteous, meek and compassionate or as someone who has little regard for others’ feelings? Sadly, there are those who simply do not care what others think of them. For the rest of us, let’s think before we speak.

Recommended scripture:
• Harsh words: “You will be protected from the lash of the tongue, and need not fear when destruction comes.” Job 5:21
• Sin affects the tongue: “Your sin prompts your mouth; you adopt the tongue of the crafty. Job 15:5
• False words: “In the shelter of your presence you hide them from the intrigues of men; in your dwelling you keep them safe from accusing tongues.” Psalm 31:20
• When your heart is right with God, your words reflect this: “The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.” Psalm 37:30

(This article first appeared on DivineCaroline.com. Reprinted with permission from author.)
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Sheri Ables is a freelance writer, editor and literary agent and IBO with Ameriplan USA. She is also a member of JBC and loves the Lord with all her heart. To contact Sheri, email sables0895@bellsouth.net.

 

Are you feeling discouraged?

Do you feel that life is so tough? That things are just not going your way? Other people always get the breaks, but never YOU? As a child of God, you have an advantage over everyone else in the world...you have His love, mercy, and grace. When you accepted Jesus Christ, you also accepted God's favor. You have favor and blessings that God is waiting to pour into your life. So why are you not seeing this favor? Do you have unconfessed sin? Are you in a close relationship with God? Are you putting your full trust in God for all things? God doesn't want to be there for only the big problems. Call on Him for everything. Ask for His blessings when you are buying groceries, going to work, cleaning your house, thinking of changing jobs ...you get the idea. God wants to be a part of EVERY area of your life. 

Upcoming Events

date	event	description
November 11, 2007	Operation Christmas Child	Shoes boxes for Operation Christmas Child due
November 18, 2007	Thanksgiving Meal	Immediately following the morning service at Noon
November 23, 2007	Thanksgiving Baskets	Assembling and delivering Thanksgiving baskets to sick and shut-ins. Time to be announced later.
December 23, 2007	Christmas Cantata	Christmas Cantata will be held during the 11am morning service. Meal to follow in the Fellowship Hall at Noon.