ENCOURAGING WORDS ARE LIFE-GIVING

1. WE NEED TO SPEAK MORE SWEETLY continued.

In yesterday’s post we noticed the power of the tongue to destroy and minister death. Today we highlight the life-giving power of the tongue. I believe with all my heart that we all need the light bulbs to burst forth in our minds and hearts concerning the power we have in our tongues to minister the glory of life through this little member of our bodies.

The power of the tongue is strongly mentioned in James 3:1-18. In fact, the whole chapter describes the potential of the tongue for good or evil.

James 3:2 says: “For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.”

Verse 3 likens the tongue to the small bit in a horse’s mouth and how it can control the large animal.

Verse 4 speaks of how a very small rudder controls a great ship, even though the winds are fierce.

Verse 8 states that the tongue is an untamable member that no man is able to discipline. This is why we need the powerful assistance of the Holy Spirit in our lives in order to use this small, but powerful member of our bodies for good.

Everyone needs to be encouraged in one way or another. So many people could accomplish greater things in their lives if they were only be encouraged by someone’s loving and genuine tongue. If only we could realize what powerful things we can accomplish to change people’s lives through our tongues.

We should daily encourage our wife and family with loving, encouraging, and kind words--even when we may feel that we are the ones who need to be encouraged.

Never forget that the best way to receive encouragement is to give it to others!

Luke 6:38: “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” This not just talking about money. In the context of verse 37 it talks about not judging and condemning, but rather forgiving. And guess what? You have to use your tongue to forgive!

Show me a person who has risen up and made something great of their lives that has not been encouraged by someone. I don’t think there are any. The whole world languishes for encouragement and believers are the right ones to fulfill this great task. Encouragement is the great antidote to oppression, self-pity, rejection, failure, and heartache. If we fail to use our tongues to encourage one another to put our eyes on Jesus and keep on believing His promises, the devil will fill the vacuum with negativity, the opposite of the principles of life.

Hebrews 3:12,13 (NASB): “Take care, brethren, that there not be in any one of you an evil, unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. But encourage one another day after day, as long as it is still called ‘Today,’ so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”

Pray right now that God will give you someone to encourage today. Start in your own home. Go out of your way to do it. Remember, one of the main reasons God gave you your tongue! is to encourage others!

Be encouraged today.

Colin Campbell