Words can hurt. They can damage someone. They can encourage. They can heal and uplift. Amazing the power in our words. We must truly be mindful of what we say. Often you hear, "it is not what you say, but how you say it". I disagree. Sometimes there are things that should not be said. Honesty is always the best policy but it does not mean we must speak out loud everything we think and feel. It is astonishing how easy people can criticize or put down another yet the three simplest words of all, "I am sorry" barely get spoken. I had someone admit to me it is hard for them to say it. Stubbornness and pride will get you every time. Pray on it! I love to cook for people and open my home to others and all I ever want to hear in the end is, "that was delicious" or "thank you so much". When a guest comes into my home and does not acknowledge the gesture, I am devastated. It angers me and I have to pray for resentment not to set in and take attitude, "they will never be welcome here". I believe in second, third chances, fourth chances....I want to be given a second chance therefore I extend that to others. In fact the bible teaches For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:2 Very powerful scripture to live by. My husband and I will say it all the time that we will never judge or criticize another person's choices in life for we do not want the wrath on us. I tell my loved ones all the time to be careful what they say of another for the very thing they hope will or will not happen to someone will come back on them. I remember years ago my husband and I were visiting New York City and all the star players from the show Survivor (yes I was a fan then and still watch every episode) were in town. My one niece, who was young at the time and did not understand this principle yet, was "hoping" I would not run into her favorite one player. Unbeknownst to me she felt this way for she didn't tell me until after I came home. Now knowing this biblical truth, who do you think was the one and only player that I came face to face with? The very one she hoped I would not see/meet. It is a silly story and not one to embarrass her but it was innocent enough to use as an illustration nonetheless. Be careful of what you think and say. Love and encourage one another. Be the example of how to show God's love. I'll tell you no one I know exemplifies this more than my husband. What an example of God he is. We should all take a page out of his book. Even better, God left us all the same book to read, learn and apply in our daily walk and it is sitting on your living room table. Read the Word! It will do ya good. Have a blessed week coming up.
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