I ended yesterday’s devotional by saying, “I praise God I am married to such a wonderful person. It’s either love or my good looks. I think I’ll ask her.”
Then Dale sent the following email: “No, Tom. Don’t ask. She will tell you the truth.” Not sure what he meant by that but I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like it.
On the other hand, my Aunt Linda sent the following text: “Shannon does love you but your good looks may have played a part in it!” That’s more like it!
The point is words matter. And God expects us to use our words to encourage and build others up.
I’m not talking about an egomaniacal pastor who knows his devastatingly good looks are the reason his wife married him. I’m talking about the many people who are carrying incredibly heavy burdens and desperately need to hear a word of compassion, grace, and love. The world is filled with pain and God expects us to do our part to help others.
This is what Paul meant by saying: “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
Your kind words can make all the difference in the life of someone who is struggling. So use them wisely and know that when you lighten someone’s heavy load, God smiles.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, I humbly ask that you use my meager gifts to help others. Fill my mind with wisdom, my heart with compassion, my hands with action, and my mouth with words of affirmation and love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Last night I finally did ask Shannon if she married to me because of love or my good looks. She laughed for the rest of the night. Apparently I said something funny.
This was not the response I was expecting. She did not build me up. I’m going to have to talk to her about that.
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 