"Encouraging Words for Family & Friends"

DAY #57 - 'A Woman of Faith' Devotional
Verse: "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen." Ephesians 4:29 NIV

MSG - "Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift."
AMP - "Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it."


As teammates in the 'game of life', we are meant to encourage and pat each other on the back. However, it's been said that some people are patting you on the back, looking for a place to stick the knife. Now that is not a positive approach or an optimistic view, but unfortunately it's true sometimes, and we do have to be honest with ourselves, so that we don't get hurt. Some people in our lives try to place us on a pedestal only to watch us fall. Encouragement helps even the best of us. Encouraging words to build up, not gossip or lies to make it seem good, or really to tear down.

Everyone around us is actually in need of some type of encouragement or uplifting. Uplifting meaning lifting your spirits, or lifting you to a higher level with God. Not lifting you up praising you on a pedestal. It is good to 'praise' people with a simple 'well done' or 'good job' -- but ensure that all glory goes to God. He is the giver of the gifts/talents and He deserves much more praise than you or me. It would be fun to give an encouraging word to everyone we meet, but obviously that is unrealistic, as some people would just ignore us, or discourage us in ways we all know of with cursing, etc. But some people who truly look like they need a 'lift', or Holy Spirit gives you a 'shoulder tap' letting you know which ones -- do it! Encourage a family member, a friend, an enemy, a stranger... and see how it affects your spirit too. There is a chinese proverb I've heard, "Flowers leave their fragrance in the hand that bestows them”. When we give, a piece of the gift remains with us to bring us joy as well.

...to be continued!

BE BLESSED & BE A BLESSING!