Scripture: “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” – (12:25)
Observation: Many of the proverbs of Solomon address our behaviors with others. In our key verse for today, Solomon points out that a person’s emotional state can be impacted both negatively or positively depending on circumstances, and then explains that words play an important part in a person’s feelings.
Application: There are so many things that can make our hearts feel “heavy”. It’s easy to identify the major things that influence our emotions. Traumatic events, like the loss of a loved one or news of a catastrophic illness, can change a person’s life in a moment, but even little things can create huge burdens to bear. I remember how heartbroken I was when a pet passed away. To many, animals are not a significant part of life, but to me, my pets seem like family, so the loss was devastating. Another time, I recall just a simple disagreement with my husband filled my heart with so much sorrow, which was compounded by the fact that my pride was the root of the problem!
In both instances, it was the kind words spoken that lifted my spirit and gave me the encouragement I needed to put a smile back on my face. When my sweet kitty passed, my entire family rallied around and reminded me of how much my rescue cat’s life had been enriched by my adoption of her. In the second case, my husband was quick to forgive and give me a much-needed hug when I apologized for my prideful attack. His words definitely made my heart glad!
It’s important to be an encourager! 1 Thessalonians 5:11 states, “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” There are many ways to comfort and edify others, but the easiest is by far through the spoken word. When we share kind words, we demonstrate caring, compassion, and love for others. Speaking kindness is so uplifting to the recipient! Another way to encourage others is through the written word. Receiving a card in the mail… or these days, even a text message on the phone… can be so needed and so very appreciated! So take a moment, and “make someone’s day” by sharing some encouraging words in person or via text or card. I promise it will gladden their heart… and yours!
Prayer: Dearest Lord, thank You for Your encouraging words in the Scriptures. When I read about the love You have for me, and that it is everlasting, I am overwhelmed with joy in my heart! Help me, O God, be an encourager to others by sharing Your love whenever and wherever I can! In Jesus’ sweet name, I pray. Amen.
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.
Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me;
Love lifted me, love lifted me,
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
(from “Love Lifted Me” by James Rowe)
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“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29