Life-Giving Words Devotion

Have you ever had anyone tell you “I can’t hear a word you’re saying” or have you said it yourself? So often we can hear what we want to hear and actually miss the point someone is trying to share with us. John C. Maxwell’s word are so true: “People may hear your words, but they feel your attitude.” We can hear words but because the way they are spoken those words comes across as ‘fighting’ words. The result is we ignore what they actually said.

I’m reminded of what Solomon said in Proverbs 15:1, NASB, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” How true is that for the words we speak to others? Will they hear words of caring and hope or ignore the words and feel your frustration and aggravation?

You and I are the salt of the earth. Being salt aids in flavoring the lives of others, but the flavor should enhance their joy and peace, but throw them into a state of despondency. As salt shakers, we should make others thirsty for what we have because it’s at that point they will feel our attitude, our love and concern.

A friend of ours recently sent a note saying he was thinking of us and asked how we were doing. That was thoughtful. I responded with a short update, asked how he and his family were doing, and thanked him for thinking of us. But I sensed there was more so I asked if everything was okay. That opened the door because it started with my words, and he shared where he was in his struggles. With encouragement he knew we’d be praying for him and we cared. He felt our attitude, no shaming or condemning, but encouraging him to draw from the Lord.

Again, Solomon’s wisdom is true. “A man hath joy in the answer of his mouth; And a word in due season, how good is it!” (Prov. 15:23 NASB)

Today you can be the salt of the earth for someone with life-giving words.