“Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us.” Romans 15:4 MSG
“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.” Ephesians 4:29 MSG
“Even if it was written in Scripture long ago, you can be sure it’s written for us.” Romans 15:4 MSG
“Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift.” Ephesians 4:29 MSG
This week we are still talking about “words” we choose to speak. Last week we talked about how pleasant (kind) words can be sweet like honey and make others feel better. This week we are going to talk about words that can give hope and encouragement to others.
I chose the verses we are going to talk about this week from The Message. The Message is the Bible written in modern day language, words and phrases that we might use today. It reads almost like a story book. Different people and churches may like to use specific versions of the Bible. But God’s word is always truth!
This verse from Romans tells us that everything in the Scriptures (another word for the Bible) even if it is from long ago, is written for us so that we can learn about God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit, and so we can have hope. As Christians our greatest hope is the hope of heaven, eternal life, and a relationship with God through His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior. And we get to share this hope with others!
The verse from Ephesians tells us to “watch” our words. Do not say mean or bad things to people. Say only things that can help or give hope or encourage others. And my favorite part of this verse is “each word a gift”. Think how excited you are when you get a gift. Your words could be an awesome gift to someone else who might need to receive hope or encouragement.
OK, game time. I am going to give you a situation and you pick what “gift” of words you would give to that person. Remember hope and encouragement! You can use some of the words from the picture if you like.
- Your best friend just got the last out of the baseball game and he’s upset.
- Your sister is crying because she can’t find her kitten.
- Your mom is sad and trying to get dinner ready so she can visit her sick friend.
- Your dad is worried about whether he will get the new job he applied for at work.
Did you choose to give the “gift” of hope and encouragement to each person above? I bet you did! This week practice offering hopeful and encouraging words to every person. Share your experiences with your parents and ask them if they gave hope and encouragement to someone. I bet they offer you words of hope and encouragement all the time!
Blessings and “each word a gift”!
Peggy Writes 