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Written by Deanna Brooks, volunteer with Iron Rose Sister Ministries in Arkansas
“So, do you want a straw or a spoon with this?” the obviously new teenage employee asked as he handed me the hot fudge sundae at Sonic. His question surprised me, and I smiled and said, “I usually use a spoon,” and then he realized that you don’t eat a sundae with a straw. He ran back to get a spoon and just as he reached my car, he realized he brought another straw. The third time he brought a spoon, embarrassed as he kept apologizing. I told him it was OK… he was doing a good job, and he smiled and said, “Thank you for being kind and encouraging me.”
As I sat in the heat enjoying the cool ice cream, two Scriptures went through my mind. “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3 ESV). “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer” (Ps. 19:14 ESV).
As a disciple of Jesus Christ my speech is being refined to be different from that of the world. At times of inconvenience or frustration or when we are caught off-guard, it is easy to blurt out something we should not say.
As a disciple, I also need to remember cultures are different. When I went to Scotland as a college student, we were given a list of words that have a different meaning in the UK. Even in the United States there are cultural differences from one area to another in meanings of some words, and we need to be aware of these differences.
Paul mentioned how the disciple should speak when he wrote: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up” (Eph. 4:29 ESV).
He also wrote, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (Eph. 5:4 ESV).
In Acts 4:36, Barnabas is called “son of encouragement.” While we are not given a lot of detail, I can hear him telling John Mark later in the book, “You can do this… forget what happened last time.”
Jesus told His followers, “On the day of judgment people will give an account for every careless word they speak” (Mt. 12:36 ESV).
Words... are the major way we communicate with others. James 1 and 3 tell us to “bridle” our tongue, which means “restrain” or “control.” What we say and how we say it often leaves an impression that is never forgotten, and just because we think it doesn’t mean we need to say it.
In Matthew 26:73 Peter was told, “Your speech betrays you,” and while this may have referred to a Galilean accent, it is something we need to think on: How can our speech make others aware we are a follower of the Christ?
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Written by Michelle J. Goff
I am a tremendous klutz. I have been known to trip on air. During certain hormonal times, my spatial orientation is askew, and I am especially clumsy. My keys get dropped, coffee in spilled, furniture jumps out in front of me to stub my toe, and the counter I plan to lean on is a few inches further away than I calculated. However, I have been assured I am not the only one.
Similarly, I have days when my speech is more clumsy and less considerate. The “thank you” gets dropped. Careless words spill out of my mouth. The minutia of the day frustrates me to the point of hindering a smooth walk through my checklist. The Bible verse I read that morning, fully intending to lean on throughout the day, seems like a distant memory. However, I have been assured I am not the only one.
On those less-than-perfect days, my internal frustration level is high. The negative self-talk can quickly spiral me into a devilish trap. However, God is not surprised by my shortcomings. The kind word of grace He offers provides me with a lifeline, freeing me from the trap. And ladies, I’m not the only one for whom this promise is true. His grace is sufficient for us, for His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9).
When I accept the kind word of grace from God, I am more ready to extend a kind word of grace to others. A simple word of kindness, to ourselves and to others, can make all the difference in how the rest of the day goes.
Accepting God’s kindness can be the first step in extending that kindness to others (Matt. 18:21-35). Kindness is an invitation into relationship. We are drawn to those who are kind. Consistent kindness draws others to us and provides us with the opportunity to share the source of our kindness.
A kind word to ourselves can dissipate the anger, the frustration, the impatience, and the guilt. A kind word to others allows the Spirit to flow through us, to do His work, to guide, and to comfort. Remember, kindness is one facet of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)!
What is a simple kind word we can share with ourselves and with others? What difference have you seen a kind word make in someone’s life?
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Prov. 15:1).