The Telephone Game — Gossip vs. Encouragement - Wednesday
Today’s Verse
Proverbs 16:24
Gracious speech is like clover honey—good taste to the soul, quick energy for the body. (MSG)
One of the most encouraging people I have ever met is someone I work with here at Southland. Her name is Jen and I’ve worked alongside her for over 15 years. In 2019, I moved from the Children’s team to the Connections team and one of the things I was most sad about was not being able to work alongside her anymore. I’ve met (and worked with) a lot of nice people, but there’s a difference between a “nice” person and an “encouraging” person. Jen seems to have the gift of knowing when you need encouragement… and just the right way to say it. Jen’s encouraging words are what came to mind when I read this verse in Proverbs.
I love the picture that is painted in this verse. We’ve all had a day (or a season) where things don’t go right. Maybe it’s been a hard day or week at work. Maybe you’ve been having trouble with kids or family. Then we get an encouraging note or a phone call. It feels like a shot of adrenaline. It can completely change your whole mood and outlook. And God has a way of putting those people in our lives for the moments we need it most.
Some people are naturally gifted as encouragers, but that doesn’t take the responsibility away from the rest of us. So for today, the question I want to ask is this: “Who are you encouraging?” Who are you praying for? Who are you sending kind words to? If you can’t think of anyone off the top of your head, it’s probably time to be proactive about it today.
REFLECTION
Today, intentionally encourage two people.
Reach out to someone who regularly encourages you and let them know how thankful you are for their words.
Pray that God will show you who needs encouragement today. Then keep your eyes open and respond to His prompting.