Words. Words. Words. More words, less words – the dilemma of the day.
The other day this challenge in a daily devotional jumped off the page into my heart:
“You have the chance to extend the grace of God through what you say and do. You are a pipeline, an aqueduct through which God keeps meeting needs of the moment in the lives of others…Your encouragement becomes grace that is strengthening, enabling, empowering for others. Don’t miss it… don’t forget to speak that word of grace.” Joni Eareckson Tada
I thought of the many people who have encouraged me with words and gestures of grace, sometimes at critical moments when they had no idea what I was going through.
Words of grace go a long way when hearts are hurting, discouragement looms large, and despair permeates the air. Words of grace lift, like God’s love lifts. Sure, we all fail and screw up at times. But words of grace let God’s mercy flow. Words of grace let healing grow. Words of grace let God’s love glow.
The counterchallenge: our words can also be detrimental. When we lash out in the heat of an argument, put others down, or disempower dreams with negativity.
So what will it be? Will we speak words of grace or gracelessness?
grace, peace & words of Grace (with a capital “G”)
Virginia : )
Roses in the Rubble 
Yes. Do I speak with the love of Christ??? To be honest and transparent. Not always.
So one day at a time, asking each minute for His grace to guide my thoughts and words. Amen, Virginia. Keep writing and editing.
Totally agree with you, Carol-Jo. It’s an up and down battle of words, especially hard for redheads who tend to blurt out things & don’t think before they speak. Ahem! One day a time (one opportunity at a time) – and multiple prayers for grace! Hugs! 🙏🤪🙏
Thanks for this exhortation, Ginny … It’s easy for me to speak and let words roll off my lips without a thought about their impact to build up or tear down.
You and me both, Cin! Sometimes taking 10 seconds before speaking allows grace to make an appearance in our words (& bite our tongues when we want to throttle someone!) 🙏✨🤪✨🙏
“Take 20 seconds”— I like that! Always a struggle, but as our pastor said this Sunday, his daughter-in-law coined the term “Struggle Bus”. We must stay on it if we’re to make progress!
Staying on the “Struggle Bus” sounds like a good idea (vs. giving up!) Hugs, Cin!✨ 🚌✨🤗✨🚌🌟
Oops, I meant “10” seconds, but 20 might be better❣️