Proverbs 15:23

A person finds joy in giving an apt reply— and how good is a timely word! ~ Proverbs 15:23

It makes one feel good if our advice helps someone else, and we can see the results which brings success to another. Our words have great ability to crush a person, or build them up, so it is a choice in how we do speak to others. In this case, where it has to do with counsel

ling one, when we can assist a brother or sister and do good for them, not only are they edified, but we are as well. Our speech has to be true: we do have to be able to speak with grace though. The apostle Paul and the apostle Peter assure us we must answer in a way that is acceptable, and that we must use meekness and fear when we speak (Ephesians 4:29; 1 Peter 3:15). We are living in a world where free speech has taken a step in the wrong direction. We have the ability on social media to say what we want when we want, and it does not matter how it may hurt people on the other end. Because we do not see them face to face, there is no restraint. We are to instead work at building others up, encouraging them, instructing those who are wanting it, and comforting those who are distressed. We live in an angry world, and a sick world that is full of fear as well as full of cynicism. We can change the world, but it must begin with us. Jesus brought us a gospel of peace and love. He ministered to weary and wounded men and women, and His words were full of expressions of empathy and love. If He is our model, we can do no less. One person at a time can be changed when we speak with His words of love.

Pastor Julia