We’ve got your daily encouragement, written by Lindsey Strickler.
Bible Reading:
“The tongue has the power of life and death,
and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
Proverbs 18:21
Word:
The words we speak to one another really do have the power to build and encourage or the power to destroy. That’s been incredibly evident during this season of our history.
I once had someone tell me that the things we speak to one another are gifts. What kind of gifts are you giving people? How does the way you speak to them impact them and what state do you leave them in? Are they encouraged? Are they discouraged?
How quickly do we speak without thinking of the bigger impact it has on the other person? Do we hold back our words and give the other person the opportunity to speak?
Theologian and pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, once wrote, “The first service one owes to others in a community involves listening to them. Just as our love for God begins with listening to God’s Word, the beginning of love for others is learning to listen to them. God’s love for us is shown by the fact that God not only gives God’s Word but also lends us God’s ear. . . . We do God’s work for our brothers and sisters when we learn to listen to them.”
Prayer:
God, I want my words to be gifts that bring life to the people I’m talking to. Please teach me how to listen well, and to speak truth to people. I want their interactions with me to point them to you. If there’s places where my speech is discouraging, please open my eyes. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Skillwork:
Spend time throughout the day as you interact with people and ask, “What gifts am I giving the people in my life? What kind of fruit is there?”
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