The power of a kind word
Whilst reading my morning devotional I came across this short piece about the power of a kind word and thought it was worth sharing.
~oOo~
During a time of economic crisis and depressing news, two students at Purdue University decided to lift the spirits of people on campus with some encouraging words. For two hours every Wednesday afternoon, Cameron Brown and Brett Westcott stood along a busy walkway holding a large “Free Compliments” sign and saying nice things to everyone who passed by. “I like your red coat.” “Cool snow boots.” “Very nice smile.” Some students said they deliberately walked past “the compliment guys” every Wednesday just to hear a kind word.
I was struck by these two young men who looked at people with the goal of commending them, rather than finding fault or being critical. Is that how I, as a follower of Christ, view others each day? Instead of being like the person who is focused on evil and whose speech is “like a burning fire” (Prov. 16:27), we can take a different approach, knowing that what we say begins deep inside us. “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (23-24).
I was struck by these two young men who looked at people with the goal of commending them, rather than finding fault or being critical. Is that how I, as a follower of Christ, view others each day? Instead of being like the person who is focused on evil and whose speech is “like a burning fire” (Prov. 16:27), we can take a different approach, knowing that what we say begins deep inside us. “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones” (23-24).
Kind words may be free,
but they give a priceless lift of spirit.
Why not encourage someone today?
by David C. McCasland
A gentle word of compliment falls lightly but it carries great weight.
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Recently I was at the local shopping mall and a elderly lady walked by me and commented on my outfit, saying how lovely I looked in it. I walked on air after her comment — quite right, it certainly lifted my spirits that day.
~oOo~
Proverbs 31 tells us that "in her lips is the law of kindness" (the virtuous woman) and Pslam 18 says, (of the Lord) "Your kindness made me grow." We can be such an encouragement to others with a kind word and like you, it makes my day when someone extends the same to me.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend Jo. It is raining here...again...
Will have to make more of an effort to do this. It sure makes a difference! Thanks for the encouragement!
ReplyDeleteBets
Kind words really do make a difference... I've had people pass a nice remark to me in the past that has uplifted me for the rest of the day - meaning that I passed the smile on to others too!! I must remember to do this myself more often too :)
ReplyDeleteI think we all like to hear nice words spoken to us, it does give the soul a lift and makes one smile. Sadly it does not happen very often in this world, and you can usually tell if a person is a Christian or not.
ReplyDeleteI was having difficulty one day at the super market. I had my hands full and was trying to put some veggies into a bag. A lovely natured lady came over to help me and have a chat and it really made my day. I didn't know who this woman was which made it even more special.
Tania
Jo,
ReplyDeleteI liked what those two young men did in their city. I'm sure that those people were blessed by their kinds words.
As Christians, we should be considerate of others on a regular basis. It's not always an easy thing, but it is what we should strive for each and every day.
-LR