March 23, 2022
The Power of Kind Words
Holley Gerth
Today’s Truth
Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body (Proverbs 16:24 CSB).
Friend to Friend
In the middle of a tough day, I take a deep breath and then share my discouragement with a friend. I resist the urge to end with, "But, really, I'm fine." I dare to let her see what's actually going on in my heart.
She replies with words of hope and encouragement. They are Jesus-filled words, so spot-on for what I need to hear that I know they are not just from her but Him, too. I can feel the ache easing and my strength returning. I'm going to be okay. I think of Proverbs 16:24, which says, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb: sweet to the taste and health to the body.”
Suddenly, I'm curious about what this actually means. What are the medicinal properties of honey? I've heard vague talk about honey being helpful for allergies and colds so this is what I expect to find. But the actual research is even more powerful. Honey, both in the ancient world and today, is primarily considered a healing agent in wound care. Isn't that beautiful?
First, honey has antibacterial properties. It helps keep the yuck out during the healing process. When our hearts are wounded we always battle lies, and kind words from those with the truth can help protect us.
Also, honey has anti-inflammatory qualities. It prevents what's already bad from getting worse. Kind words can keep us from sliding into destructive patterns of thinking or reacting.
Honey is soothing as well; it simply feels good. Sometimes on a hard day we just need some tenderness and compassion in our lives. There have been many times when words have given me strength, renewed faith and courage.
I’ll confess my tendency when I'm in pain is sometimes to hide and act tough. Slap a Band-Aid on it and carry on. Pretend my hurt is no big deal. But we are created to share life with each other! Our hearts are meant to mend in the presence of others. Often this starts with being honest, with finding the courage to say to someone we trust, "Bring your honey jar over here. I need some today. Then tell me all about what's going on with you too."
When others do share with us, we can treat others the way we want to be treated when we’re hurting. We can resist the urge to rub salt in their wounds with criticism or clichés. We can hold back our human opinions and extend divine grace. We can intentionally be considerate and ask God for wisdom as we offer gentle comfort, encouragement and support.
We all have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of whoever is right in front of us today. All we have to do is open our hearts and ears then our mouths. Our words are a sweeter and more mysterious force than we can even fully know this side of heaven. Yes, they can hurt and destroy. But let’s also never forget or underestimate their God-given power to heal.
Let’s Pray
Dear God, thank You for Your kindness! What a gift it is to know that You look at me with love. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your words today so that I might pour out kindness as sweet as honey, encouraging those around me with truth and love. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Now It’s Your Turn
What words of kindness have impacted you? It might be one sentence spoken at just the right time or a letter in the mail! As you consider the power of kind words, take a moment today to send a text, make a phone call, or write a note of kindness to a friend.
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© 2022 by Holley Gerth. All rights reserved.
Originally published Wednesday, 23 March 2022.
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