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
Thoughts~
Seven years ago I was part of a small group of seven
women who met once a month for 4 hours. We shared a meal, discussed one book in
detail and supported one another in encouragement and prayer. One of the books
we read was “Silver Boxes” by Florence Littauer. A book on the gift of
encouragement, it challenged us to basically close our mouths if rude, hurtful
or judgmental talk was going to erupt. It also challenged us to become
encouragers to others. Lately, I have had to close my mouth in a big way. At
first it was hard but each day, it became easier until God showed me how to
deal with a particularly hurtful person.
We all have instant recall of the ways people hurt us
but do we recall as quickly the wonderful ways we are encouraged?
Silver boxes are, in a nutshell, a place to collect
encouragement. Like a fire on a cold rainy day, a silver box boosts our spirits
from chilly to warm instantly. Silver boxes are a place to put notes, cards and
any written word that is given to you. Actually, I even have a tiny little
heart token in mine; a reminder of a beautiful friendship.
Last month, I began a “Silver Box” file on my computer
to save encouraging internet based notes from friends. It helps me when the
enemy of God starts his arrow shooting practice on my heart. No matter how
grounded we are in our faith, we will always be bombarded with junk that satan uses
to tear us down. Forever on the attack mode, his second biggest thrill is to
bring discouragement to strong believers. I long for the day he is locked up!
How we all love to be encouraged. An unexpected sweet
word from a friend, or even a stranger, can bring joy to your heart in such an
amazing way. Likewise, mean words can damage us, ripping away little pieces of
self esteem, confidence and love. As Paul encourages us in Ephesians 4:29, let’s
practice building up instead of tearing down. The New Living Translation says “Don’t
use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so
that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
What a wonderful reminder: let everything we say be good and
helpful.
Action~
*Find a silver box for your cards, notes and gifts of
encouragement from others.
*Start a file on your computer where you copy and paste
encouraging words.
*Be an encourager! With honesty and not out of any
falsehood, find words to encourage the people in your life.
*Buy Florence Littauer’s book. It’s easy to read and
will open your mind to lots of new ideas.
*Memorize Ephesians 4:29 in the version you like best.
(www.Biblegateway.com will give you
many versions).
*Make a list of people that you know really need encouragement. And then offer it to them!
*Send your Pastor an encouraging note in the mail.
*Remember these two words: Good and Helpful.
Pray~
Father, I confess my mouth is not always good and
helpful. Thank You for forgiving me. And thank You for the people who have come
into my life to encourage me. May I learn from them and encourage those around
me all the days of my life.
Trusting in Him,
Becky
Like my Facebook page here:
No comments:
Post a Comment