“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” Proverbs 12:25
How beautiful and happy are the homes where “seldom is heard a discouraging word.” This reminds me of my late husband, who rarely spoke discouraging words. Encouraging words kept appearing everywhere I looked, and it served as a gentle nudge, reminding all of us about the importance of encouraging others.
I remember using a discouraging word while in South Africa. Our youngest son, Phillip, came home from work and told me that he had tickets to parachute out of an airplane! My initial reaction was to use some discouraging words for that situation! Needless to say, he responded with, “Mom, please try not to be so negative!” To this day, I try not to use discouraging words.
In 1959, my husband announced to our families that God had called us to Australia. We quickly learned the value of words. His mother begged me not to go, so that he would not go! These were very discouraging words! However, my older brother, told me, “Addien, always remember that the sun shines on the other side of the earth just like it does here.” And God gave us, and we held onto those encouraging words that God gave us.
Let’s pay closer attention to the words we use and ask ourselves if they build up or tear down others. We never know when our last word will be spoken, so let us use words of encouragement, comfort and the joy of God’s Word, to uplift and support others. — RAP — Mrs. Randy (Addien) Pike (a great woman II Kings 4:8)