I’ve recently been stuck on the concept of “life-giving words”. I’ve really been challenging myself to take the time to stop and think about the God-given qualities and character that I see in someone. And instead of keeping those thoughts to myself, I’ve been making an effort to share those thoughts with the person that I see them in.

It’s almost scary how much we beat ourselves up - how we can analyze our own flaws and then over-analyze our shortcomings to the point that we are creating lies about ourselves that we don’t even recognize as a fabrication. That’s why I think it is so important to take the step and be free with life-giving words. We need to stop those lies before they begin and the best way to do that is to help each other see the truth about ourselves.

And while it’s unsettling how much we let negativity bring us down, it’s amazing what a difference it can make in someone’s day or week or lifetime if we simply tell them about the ways that we see God has made them or is working in them. We can project what we see, but maybe what they are unable to see themselves. We get to share the maturity or leadership or compassion or caregiving or perseverance we see in another person or whatever other God-given quality it is that you observe in them.

Hebrews 10:23-25 says, “23 Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. 24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”

In verse 24, I love the thought that we have to think of ways to encourage each other. I find myself to naturally be an encourager, but I am learning more and more (from my wife) that it doesn’t come as easy to everyone. But it doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t share life-giving words, it just means that we might have to get creative in how we do it.

Also, what if we were to really look at each person around us an opportunity to speak life-giving words to? So we don’t fall into the trap of just working in the same room as someone or we happen to show up at the same family gatherings. Those times together shouldn’t be overlooked, but should be our chance to bring life-giving words into a life that may be filled with hurt-filled lies and self-deprecation.

What if this week, you took one opportunity to speak life-giving words? I think you will be amazed at the reaction!

life-giving words Tag

23 May “Life-Giving Words” by Justin Dowiot