Growing Cheer

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

D.L. MOODY
I remember hearing of a man in one of the hospitals who received a bouquet of flowers on behalf of the Flower Mission. He looked at the beautiful bouquet and said: “Well, if I had known that a bunch of flowers could do a fellow so much good, I would have sent some myself when I was well.” If people only knew how they might cheer some lonely heart and lift up some drooping spirit, or speak some word that shall be lasting in its effects for all coming time, they would be up and about it.

ERWIN LUTZER
James says, “The tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness” (3:6). The devil wants to control our tongues, to slander and lie. And Jesus reminds us, that “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” (Matthew 12:34). Our tongues can either speak with the anger of a fiery hell or the encouragement of our hope of heaven.
We must give God our tongues, which really means we are to give Him our hearts—the fountain where it all begins. Let us say, “God, you gave me this tongue. Help me to use it for wholesome words, words that build up, words that help, words that heal wounds rather than cause the wounds. Oh God, I surrender my tongue to you.” As Scripture says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying” (Ephesians 4:29, KJV).
We should use words that encourage and provide wise counsel. What words will you speak today? Words that help or words that hurt? Words that heal or words that tear apart?

PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for misusing my tongue; give me a peaceful and pure heart so that my tongue would speak words that bless and not curse.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What is the value of encouraging others?

Why should believers build others up with their words?