Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
Words have the power to heal and the power to hurt. We can use our words to build others up or to tear them down. The Bible says when we use gracious words, we can bring about healing deep into the lives of other people.
What does it mean to use “gracious” words? According to the dictionary, “gracious” means kind, courteous, merciful or compassionate. When we use gracious words, we’re showing others the compassion and love of Jesus.
What about words from others to us? When we’re grieving, we need to hear words of compassion. All too often, though, well-intended words are hurtful or insensitive. I doubt many people are comfortable around someone who has just lost a loved one. These situations are so awkward. People don’t know what to say but feel the need to say something anyway. What comes out of their mouths may cause you pain. Words like “it was his time” or “it was for the best”. Even “you’ll see them in heaven” has a hollow ring to those who are grieving. We need words of comfort, words of kindness, and words of mercy. Words like “I’m sorry you are hurting.” “I’m here for you.” “I’m praying for you.” “How can I help you?” Practical assistance reinforces those kind words with meals, babysitting, cards, and flowers.
Even when those around us don’t understand the negative impact of their words, we can turn to the God of All Comfort whose grace and mercy is extended to all who believe. Many of the Psalms bring words of encouragement. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” In Psalm 63:8, we find the words “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” If you are looking for words of healing, turn to the Book of Psalms.
Jesus also understands our pain because He lost loved ones, too. Like His friend Lazarus. Like His friend and cousin, John the Baptist. Even when those around us don’t have the words we need for comfort, turn to Jesus and His word to us, the Bible. May God whisper words of grace and love to you as you find comfort in Him.
Dear Jesus, I thank You for Your words of comfort to me. I thank you especially for those You have placed in my life who do indeed know how to offer gracious words to me. Help me forgive those who, however well-intended, say words that hurt me and cause me more pain. May I become a person of gracious words who uses the power of my own words to help and encourage others. In Your precious Name I pray, Amen.
Words have the power to heal and the power to hurt. We can use our words to build others up or to tear them down. The Bible says when we use gracious words, we can bring about healing deep into the lives of other people.
What does it mean to use “gracious” words? According to the dictionary, “gracious” means kind, courteous, merciful or compassionate. When we use gracious words, we’re showing others the compassion and love of Jesus.
What about words from others to us? When we’re grieving, we need to hear words of compassion. All too often, though, well-intended words are hurtful or insensitive. I doubt many people are comfortable around someone who has just lost a loved one. These situations are so awkward. People don’t know what to say but feel the need to say something anyway. What comes out of their mouths may cause you pain. Words like “it was his time” or “it was for the best”. Even “you’ll see them in heaven” has a hollow ring to those who are grieving. We need words of comfort, words of kindness, and words of mercy. Words like “I’m sorry you are hurting.” “I’m here for you.” “I’m praying for you.” “How can I help you?” Practical assistance reinforces those kind words with meals, babysitting, cards, and flowers.
Even when those around us don’t understand the negative impact of their words, we can turn to the God of All Comfort whose grace and mercy is extended to all who believe. Many of the Psalms bring words of encouragement. Psalm 46:1 says “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” In Psalm 63:8, we find the words “I cling to you; your right hand upholds me.” If you are looking for words of healing, turn to the Book of Psalms.
Jesus also understands our pain because He lost loved ones, too. Like His friend Lazarus. Like His friend and cousin, John the Baptist. Even when those around us don’t have the words we need for comfort, turn to Jesus and His word to us, the Bible. May God whisper words of grace and love to you as you find comfort in Him.
Dear Jesus, I thank You for Your words of comfort to me. I thank you especially for those You have placed in my life who do indeed know how to offer gracious words to me. Help me forgive those who, however well-intended, say words that hurt me and cause me more pain. May I become a person of gracious words who uses the power of my own words to help and encourage others. In Your precious Name I pray, Amen.
Want to subscribe to future blog posts? Click here.
Copyright © 2015 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
Copyright © 2015 by Dawn Dailey. All rights reserved.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™
RSS Feed