Sweetness

Proverbs 16:24 NKJV — Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.

“Pleasant words…

…are like a honeycomb,”

How true this is.

For what one of us can not attest to the truth of a word spoken well bringing healing or joy or wholeness to our hearts?

Words can hold such meaning.

Truth, kindness, love can all be communicated through words.

The best, most pleasant words ever spoken are those which speak the good news of the Gospel.

The words of truth, those of the Bible, are the most valuable words of all.

“Sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.”

What could possibly be sweeter than hearing about salvation through Christ Jesus?

What could bring more soundness to one than security of life in Christ?

Truly, those who are called by the name of the Lord have such pleasant words to share.

Words of hope.

Words of truth.

Words of encouragement.

Let us, this day be thoughtful of our words.

Let’s spread a little sweetness this week through pleasant words.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You so much for Your Word. Nothing is sweeter than Your truth. Please continue to pour into my heart and mind Your Word. Please help it to reside within me that I might share it. Lord, please fill my mouth with Your pleasant words. Please keep a watch over my lips, that I might speak only things which would edify those who listen. May my life glorify Your name. Thank You. Amen.

Lost his voice

Circumstances can crowd in upon someone before they realize.

The consequences of behavior can begin to hide the heart.

And yet those things are a direct result of the choices made.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
Galatians 6:7 NKJV

Recently, as I shared with another, the brokenness of my past relationship with my father, I was able to see the truth in a crystalized phrase.

“He had lost his voice with me by the way he used anger.”

From my perspective, he was always angry and therefore I didn’t want to hear anything he had to say.

In reflection, after God’s healing me, I can see I missed a lot of things he was trying to say, but he had already lost his voice with me.

Our conversation continued and we each reflected upon times when our own voice was lost.

Although all three of the circumstances and choices were different, we each had lost the privilege of sharing truth because of our misuse of our words, actions, or attitudes.

But it didn’t end there.

Jesus had redeemed each of us.

It was humbling and uplifting to realize how Jesus had used these sins in our lives to hone us, to teach us, and to change us.

And before I thought it I spoke.

“I really hope God will help me to teach this truth. I want to pass on the value of guarding one’s actions, attitudes, and words so they might not lose their voice.”

Of course Jesus already spoke so clearly upon these truths, all I’m responsible for is sharing them with others and walking in them myself.

No, I don’t have it down perfect, but I’ve learned that when I sin it’s my responsibility to repent and ask for forgiveness, both from God and those I’ve sinned against.

I’m also on my guard about making allowances.

“Well, I just reacted that way, because I’m hungry and I didn’t sleep well and I…”

Nope!

Refusing to accept the truth that I sinned is as damaging as the sin.

Trying to down play my responsibility in the sin is as deadly as approval of the sin.

Blaming anything rather than repenting of my sin is wickedness, for what I’m doing in my heart is refusing to admit that I’ve transgressed before the Lord.

Humility before God and then others is the best choice.

1 Peter 5:5 KJV — Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

If you have allowed your voice to be lost through sin, it’s not too late to humble yourself before God and those around you.

If you are walking in the path of restoration, praise God for His mercy and grace. Pass on the knowledge of God’s truth.

Galatians 6:10 NKJV — Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Dear Lord Jesus,

Thank You for Your Word. It is so full of all we need! Thank You for teaching me how to be careful of my words and how to continually humble myself before You and others. Please continue to teach me and to guide me along Your paths. Jesus, I want to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and full of Your wisdom. Please help me to sow truth, love, humility, and righteousness daily. Please place a guard over my heart and my mouth, that I might not sin. Thank You, Jesus. Amen.