A Good Word

Today’s Verse:

Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. ~Proverbs 12:25

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Everyone gets discouraged. Whenever events in our life result in a setback, or we experience a serious challenge that leaves us feeling weak and vulnerable, we can find ourselves becoming discouraged. A heavy heart is when we are sad, lonely, defeated, and lacking a desire to go on. However, God, in His infinite love for us, brings us encouragement when we need it the most. This morning, let us consider the good word of encouragement.

There is the word of comfort.

“As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children” (1 Thessalonians 2:11). Paul was a strong personality and leader. Yet, he also was Spirit-filled when it came to bringing a word of comfort to hurting believers. The Thessalonian believers had doubts and insecurities as they started to grow in the faith. Paul reminded them of how much God loved them and that He would never forsake them. We must be ready to comfort others. This would include those who are bereaved, those who have been devastated by loss, and those who are going through a health trial.

There is the word of kindness.

“And David said unto him, Fear not: for I will surely shew thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually” (2 Samuel 9:7). As things in the kingdom settled down, David remembered a covenant that he had made with his friend, Jonathan. When he discovered that Jonathan had a son named Mephibosheth, he invited him to his palace and extended kindness to him. It is easy to be kind to people who are kind to us. It is Christian to speak a word of kindness always to everyone. Speak kindly to those who serve the Lord, whether full-time servants or volunteers. Speak kindly to the elderly, to young adults, to teens, and to children.

There is the word of conciliation.

The word of conciliation is seeking forgiveness and restoration when we have a relationship rift. It is simply saying, “I am sorry. Will you forgive me?” It is seeking to have fellowship with someone who has become distant to you. It is saying to your spouse whom you may have offended, or to a child who has been provoked to wrath, that you love them and want things to be right.

There is the Word of Christ.

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16). Above all else, a good word is when we speak the Word of Christ. Use Scripture to edify and not to tear down. Speak of how Christ gives peace, heals broken hearts, lifts our burdens, and mends a wounded spirit. Give a strong witness for Christ wherever you go. As the hymn writer sang, “Let’s talk about Jesus!”

A good word makes heavy hearts glad. “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones” (Prov. 16:24). You never know how something you say might keep someone from “falling off the edge.” Our words must build up and not tear down. Remember, there is always someone who is hurting more than you. Have a good word today that will make a saddened heart glad!

Have an encouraging God Morning!

Bible Reading Schedule: Joshua 22-24

#Comfort #Encouragement #Proverbs