5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings. A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.”
Proverbs 25:11-12 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
It doesn’t take much to realize that our world has changed. The small community in which I pastor in central Florida now has a confirmed case of COVID-19.
And while the Dow Jones Industrial Average is currently rebounding as our President recently tweeted, “LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL!”, anxiety is running high. The CEO of JPMorgan stated in the last 24 hours that he believes America is headed toward a “bad recession” if the coronavirus pandemic continues to worsen.
While there is very little that the average American can do about our national economy or stopping the pandemic that is continuing to take lives (besides following CDC guidelines), there is much we can do to cheer people up as they are struggling under the current stresses.
We can use our words to encourage others. We can ask the Lord to give us the wisdom to know what to say and how to say it to lift someone’s spirits.
Proverbs 25:11 “A word spoken at the right time is like gold apples in silver settings.”
But, if we are to have substantive, real relationships, it means that we won’t be limited to only the “positive.” We will also be able to give and receive words that are corrective in nature, words that point out an area that needs to be addressed.
Proverbs 25:12 “A wise correction to a receptive ear is like a gold ring or an ornament of gold.”
But even those corrective words are motivated by love and grace. They are given by one friend to another.
So, even as the content might ordinarily cause an awkward situation, our tone and word selection make the conversation safe and filled with grace.
Colossians 4:6 (NLT): “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NLT): “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.”
Let’s be careful in how we use our words. Let’s use them to bless and comfort others. Folks need those kinds of words these days.
* * * * * * * * * *
Lord Jesus, thank You so much for the four Gospels that let me observe how You talked to people. I have noticed that You periodically let some really harsh things come out of Your mouth but it seems to me that those words were directly, almost solely, at people who appeared to be religious but were sinful and mistreated others with their words and actions. With most everyone else, You were kind and encouraging. I want to be more like You. Help me as I work on this area of my life. In Your Name I pray this prayer, Amen.
Matt’s Musings 