Words matter (2)

There's a story of an early-church believer called Ambrose. While he was asleep in his cot as a baby, a swarm of bees settled on his face and clustered round his lips. When his dad arrived, they flew off and left behind a drop of honey on his mouth. His dad apparently nodded knowingly and deduced that his son was destined for a life of speaking wise and sweet words. Our inner faith knows of the power of words to heal and help. Ambrose's dad knew it.

God knows it too: in fact the book of Proverbs talks a lot about the healing and helping power of words. Proverbs 16:24 (NCV) says, 'Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, making people happy and healthy.' Another version says, 'Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones.' People who speak kindly into others' lives are a treasure. Their words have the power to change a person's perception of themselves, to heal relationships, to bring a situation back from going downhill. When they speak, their words create a ripple effect that spreads farther than can be seen.

Many people grow up only hearing words of negativity and discouragement. Maybe that's us. If so, let's seek out those who build us up with life-giving words. And let our own words be like honey, bringing sweetness and healing wherever we go.



So what now? Ask God to touch your lips with his honey-filled, healing words. You'll discover real power in asking him that. And don't forget to speak kind words to yourself too.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Pleasant words...making people happy and healthy.' Proverbs 16:24 NCV
— SOULFOOD —

Josh 8:30-10:43, John 14:26-15:4, Ps 146, Pro 28:9-12