Title: The Power of the Encouraging Word
Text:
Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Observation:
I read this quote recently, "People will respond much more to your words of encouragement than words of criticism".
I'm reminded of a song that goes back to the early years of my life. I looked it up, and found that the earliest version is attributed to Dr. Brewster M. Higley, and written in 1870.
"Oh, give me a home where the Buffalo roam
Where the Deer and the Antelope play;
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word,
And the sky is not cloudy all day."
There is nothing more effective in personal communications than the power of an encouraging word.
I remember reading this quote from the author of the One Minute Manager. It said, "Catch your employee doing something right, and praise them".
I am reminded of another english proverb: "You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar".
Think about this: It's easier to persuade others with polite requests and a positive attitude rather than with rude demands and negativity.
Notice these encouraging words from the Apostle Paul to the church at Ephesus.
Ephesians 4:1-3 (ESV)
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Prayer:
Father, hallowed be Your name. Father, thank You for loving us with an everlasting love that is full of grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Father, help us to be demonstrations of love for You, and love for others. Father, help us to speak words of love; words of encouragement to build up those who we encounter in our daily walk. Father, help us to walk worthy of our calling as sons and daughters of God. In the mighty name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
Isaiah 55:11 (KJV)
11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Read the Daily Devotional by Herb Cotton; click here:
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