One minute read.
Daily Reading: 1 Samuel 12:1-13:23, John 7:1-30, Psalm 108:1-13, Proverbs 15:4
Daily Verse: “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.” Prov. 15:4
Helpful or harmful.
Words can bring life or crush it. Not only does what we say matter, but how we say it carries weight. Words spoken truthfully but not couched in love can destroy relationships and cause irreparable damage. Another mistake I know all too well.
No matter how desperately we want to say something, if not done with the right heart and tone. Harmful words crush the spirit.
People tend to hear what they want to hear. Working in retail, I learned the compliment sandwich. Couch negative feedback between two compliments. For example:
“I love how hard you worked on this display. Adding more blue items into the middle would make it pop more. What a great use of your creativity.”
Learning to say hard things with love will help grow relationships and develop deeper connections. Jesus exemplified saying all things in love with a gentle tone. Following Him helps us learn to do the same.
Lord, forgive us for using harsh words. Please help us say only uplifting and encouraging things bringing life to those who hear them. Let our language help other’s Spirits thrive as we speak with love and grace. IJNIP. Amen
