“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” Psalm 19:14

There are times when someone speaks a positive and uplifting word to you, and it changes your entire day. We have all been there at one time or another. In our current worldwide circumstances, many people are stressed and on edge, and are more likely to send angry or annoyed messages when someone does the least thing. It happens to the best of us!

The news cites numerous accounts of road rage and negative altercations with others, which are usually not known by the aggressor. This obviously should not be how we treat one another. God has given us His Word, and it teaches us “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Ephesians 4:32. 

“You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar” is an old English saying. The flies stand for the things we want to attract or achieve in life. Honey is like the positive words and actions we show, while vinegar is the unpleasant way we sometimes treat others. In short, we should treat people with respect and kindness, choosing encouraging words instead of harsh ones. Let’s look within ourselves and try to share what is good and uplifting with those around us.

I believe and know by the Word of the Lord that everything starts at the foot of the cross. Each day, it behooves us to start with prayer, asking God to guide not just our footsteps but also the thoughts we contemplate and the words we speak to others. As my parents used to say, kindness goes a long way! 

As dear children of God, who walk in the light, our lives are constantly filled by the Holy Spirit, which becomes the (honey) or drawing agent; “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23. So we must constantly pray for hearts that are clean, pleasing to our Lord, and kind to our fellowman. Psalm 19:14 states, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.”

Let us aim to express words of love, peace, and forgiveness. Everybody is going through something; we never know when someone is at the breaking point and needs a light of hope at the end of the tunnel; it just may come from you! Carefully watch what you say and seek earnestly to share words that build up, encourage, and comfort; that takes active listening with the heart- taking the time to really address others with care and concern, offering words that heal and not hurt.

If we faithfully follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit, He will caution us if we are wrong, as well as give us just what we need to say and do at the right moment. Are we willing to listen and obey His leading? “For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say.” Luke 12:12. 

May God put a bridle over our tongues and help us begin to speak words of peace, love, and encouragement to all that we meet. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” Matthew 7:12.

God’s Blessings of peace to all!