The power of a kind word

The month of October was designated Pastor's Appreciation Month.  I wasn't even aware that there was such a "season" but I was pleasantly surprised when I came into my office one day to discover approximately 150 "sticky notes" pasted throughout my office; all with kind words of appreciation and encouragement.  Needless to say, this made my day.

Sometimes we forget the power of kind words, even little ones.  Obviously these notes did not contain lengthy comments.  They were not "letters of appreciation."  But they spoke!  They spoke in a powerful way.  As I read them I thought about the wise use of words as emphasized in Proverbs 12.  Vs. 18 reads, "The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing."  Vs 25 says, "Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up."  And in vs 6 we read, "The words of the wicked lie in wait for blood, but the speech of the upright rescues them."  What tremendous power resides in the way we use our words!

Who in your life needs a word of encouragement today?  Your spouse?  Child?  Friend?  I think you will know who.  Our words can be used to tear others down, but they can also be used to bring healing and hope.  Perhaps it is time for each of us to rediscover the power of a kind word!