When you are angry, tired or withdrawn, behaviour changes to reflect your mood. You might no longer say thank you, take time to say please. You might be dismissive or snap at the people around you. It might be days later when you sit alone with a memory of regret from things unsaid.
Hebrews 10:22 says, ‘let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience…’ (NIV)
Even if you don’t feel like it, say it. Thank, compliment, praise. Let the words from your mouth be edifying, encouraging and uplifting. Don’t live a life where you perpetually regret what you didn’t say before. Unsaid words convey unsaid things. People read in between the lines, come to their conclusions, and the situation becomes worse. Let your tongue be active in praise.
Quote A tongue of praise avoids a life of conflict.
Prayer
Lord, help me be more positive and encouraging to those around me. Amen.
Action Point
Get a jar and put a pound in it every time you have said something negative or non-encouraging.
Copyright notices
(NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Use in other publications. You can use all of this devotional when including this credit. Copyright © Carl Brettle. Subscribe for free via www.faithlift.org