AMBASSADORS OF GRACE

How powerful words are when they speak to our heart! When they strengthen us in our weakness.  When they impart peace amid turmoil.  When they build us up when others have been tearing us down.  When they refresh our weary spirit.

The writer of Proverbs reminds us that "reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing" (Proverbs 12:18).  And later he says that "the tongue has the power of life and death" (Proverbs 18:21).  What powerful statements!  And we know from experience that they are true.  We've all felt the sting of sarcasm, mockery or putdown jokes at our expense.  We've also felt the pleasant summer breeze of words that refresh, fill us with hope and leave us feeling special.

The New Testament has a parallel passage that urges us to be men and women who speak grace-filled words.  In Ephesians 4:29 we read, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear" (NASB).  This is a powerful thought that the apostle Paul is urging on his hearers.  Can you hear him saying, "Your words can communicate grace.  They can be God's words to someone else"?

It's true.  Our words can build others up.  (By the way, the word “edification” was used in Paul's day to describe how a carpenter would build a house.  It's a construction word.)  Our hearers can feel strengthened, refreshed or affirmed by our words.  As men and women who are empowered and led by God's Spirit, our conversations can literally be a means whereby the Spirit communicates His grace to the one who is listening to us.  That's why the next statement Paul makes is "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God" (Ephesians 4:30).  Do you see what he's driving at?  When we are not speaking to others in a grace-full manner, we deny God's Spirit the opportunity to encourage or strengthen someone else.

We think that's a powerful truth.  We think it's exciting to know that we can be our Lord's ambassador of good news to those around us. 

-- Dr. Norm Wakefield & Jody Brolsma in “Men Are from Israel, Women Are from Moab” 

#6064

THE THINGS WE DO AND SAY

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  (Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV)

It's one thing for the world to reject Jesus because the people in secular society consider the Gospel to be ridiculous.  It is quite another thing for the world to reject the Gospel because Christians are an embarrassment to God.  The Bible warns us against conducting ourselves so that people end up rejecting Jesus, not because of who He is but because of the stupid things we do and say. 

-- Tony Campolo in “Following Jesus Without Embarrassing God” 

#6063

CONFRONTING GOSSIP

Gossip's main purpose is to spread misery. It's certainly not to build people up or minister to them in the name of Jesus. A gossip's wake is littered by damaged families and broken relationships: "A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends" (Proverbs 16:28).

As Christians, we're called to put the brakes on the spread of gossip. And not only gossip about people we know, but also gossip about those we don't know. Like others, I've been guilty of spinning pretty little stories about certain political figures, even though I had no proof that what I was saying even resembled the truth. I foolishly thought that spreading gossip would make me more popular.

How about you? Are you modeling God's standard of truthfulness and honesty? Are you known as someone who confronts gossip? Or do you pass it on with a few added details of your own?

…As you move beyond gossiping about others, you'll find more time to show them the unconditional love of Jesus. And you might just make a few new friends in the process. 

-- Matt Donnelly, ChristianityToday.com

#5944

WE ALL HAVE SOMETHING

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”  (Romans 12:6-7 NIV)

Many years ago in Nuremberg, Germany, two young lads, Albrecht Durer and Franz Kingstein, trained and toiled to become artists.  Both showed promise and each dreamed of becoming famous.

As time passed, it became obvious that Albrecht's skills were those of a genius.  But Franz was not gifted and would never be more than an art lover.  Each had undertaken a rendering of the passion of Christ.  When Franz viewed Albrecht's lovely etching, he lifted his hands in an act of despair.

"Albrecht, it's hopeless.  I can never become an artist," he cried.  "You will be famous; I never will be."

Albrecht responded quickly, "Hold your hands just as they are.  Don't move them.  You, too, shall be famous."  Then the gifted artist grabbed his brush and painted the hands that have become famous as "The Praying Hands."

Not all of us have the same talents, gifts and opportunities.  But we all have something that can strengthen, bless or enrich others' lives.  We can use our resources to give them a productive future. 

-- Dr. Norm Wakefield & Jody Brolsma in “Men Are from Israel, Women Are from Moab”

#5847

JUST JOKING

“Like a maniac shooting flaming arrows of death is one who deceives their neighbor and says, ‘I was only joking!’”  (Proverbs 26:18-19 NIV)

A man had the habit of making fun of people as a joke. He would often lapse into extremely poor taste, and he offended regularly. When people would react in anger, he would accuse them of not having a sense of humor, and he would say, “Hey, I’m only kidding. You know how much I think of you.” Then he would turn around and insult them all over again. He thought that he was being immensely humorous and clever, and many people laughed at his jokes, just so long as they weren’t the target of them.

There is no such thing as a harmless joke at the expense of another being’s feelings or dignity. Christ calls us to respect and love one another, and we have no right to do anything that might prove hurtful. Our words should build each other up, not provide a stumbling block. Ephesians 4:29 states, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

A lot of cruelty has been masked as jokes throughout the centuries, but one day God will judge what was funny, and what was evil. It is the duty of every person of God to weigh the impact of their words and to speak in ways which are a blessing rather than a curse. The Lord rejoices when our words are sweet and gentle, but His wrath is kindled by words which burn and cause anguish. 

-- Adapted from “Daily Wisdom from the Bible: Encouragement for Every Day” by Dan and Nancy Dick

#5675

THE POWER OF THE TONGUE

“Although [ships] are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.”  (James 3:4-5 NIV)

There is power in our words. Our tongues are like two-edged swords. They can protect and defend, or they can cut down and destroy. We are in control of them.

Sadly, many people act as if it was the other way around; their tongues control their minds. James compares the tongue to a rudder. When a rudder is left unintended, the ship flounders. Likewise, when our tongues move uncontrolled, the result is disaster.

A wise person keeps a firm control over his or her words. Only words of life and light should be spoken, and with God’s help we can hope to always have such graceful speech. 

-- Dan and Nancy Dick in “Daily Wisdom from the Bible”

#5357

 

“HELPING” BUILD THE KINGDOM

As I feverishly pushed the lawn mower around our yard, I wondered if I'd finish before dinner.  Mikey, our 6-year-old, walked up and, without even asking, stepped in front of me and placed his hands on the mower handle.  Knowing that he wanted to help me, I quit pushing.

The mower quickly slowed to a stop.  Chuckling inwardly at his struggles, I resisted the urge to say, "Get out of here, kid.  You're in my way," and said instead, "Here, Son.  I'll help you."  As I resumed pushing, I bowed my back, leaned forward, and walked spread-legged to avoid colliding with Mikey.  The grass cutting continued, but more slowly and less efficiently than before, because Mikey was "helping" me.

Suddenly, tears came to my eyes as it hit me: This is the way my heavenly Father allows me to "help" Him build His kingdom!  I pictured my heavenly Father at work seeking, saving, and transforming the lost, and there I was with my weak hands "helping".  My Father could do the work by Himself, but He doesn't.  He chooses to stoop graciously to allow me to co-labor with Him.  Why?  For my sake, because He wants me to have the privilege of ministering with Him. 

-- Rusty Stephens

#5123

ENCOURAGING ONE ANOTHER

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

In “Witnesses of a Third Way: A Fresh Look at Evangelism”, Robert Neff's chapter includes this story about visiting a church service: "It was one of those mornings when the tenor didn't get out of bed on the right side… As I listened to his faltering voice, I looked around.  People were pulling out hymnals to locate the hymn being sung by the soloist.  By the second verse, the congregation had joined the soloist in the hymn.  And by the third verse, the tenor was beginning to find the range.  And by the fourth verse, it was beautiful.  And on the fifth verse, the congregation was absolutely silent, and the tenor sang the most beautiful solo of his life.  That is life in the body of Christ, enabling one another to sing the tune Christ has given us." 

--  John H. Unger

#4865

THE PARADOX OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP

People are sometimes illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway, as Christ did.

If you do good, people might accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Do good anyway, as Christ did.

If you are successful, you can win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway, as Christ did.

The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway, as Christ did.

Honesty and frankness can make you vulnerable. Be honest anyway, as Christ was.

The biggest people with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest people with the smallest ideas. Think big anyway, as Christ did.

People favor underdogs but follow top dogs. Fight for the underdogs anyway, as Christ did.

What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway, as Christ did.

People who need help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway, as Christ did.

Give the world the best you have and you may get kicked in the teeth, or even crucified. Give your best anyway, as Christ did.

-- Based on the Paradoxical Commandments by Kent M. Keith, adapted by Rev. David T. Wilkinson


#4782

GRACE-FILLED WORDS

“Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.”  (Ephesians 4:29)

O Lord, give me ears to hear as You hear, discernment to understand others as You understand, and fitting words of wisdom for those I encounter today. May I speak life, hope, and love instead of suspicion, judgment, and criticism. Let the words of my mouth honor You, Amen.

-- Dorothy Johnson as quoted in “Alive Now” Jan/Feb 2017


#4321

ROOTED AND BUILT UP IN CHRIST

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as LORD, continue to live your lives in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”  (Colossians 2:6-7 NIV)

At the edge of a rocky overlook in the Appalachian foothills stands a lone two-hundred-year-old evergreen tree... Through the years, it has defied heavy snow, hailstorms, and the steady, westerly winds rising off the valley floor. From it's vulnerable view of endless ridges and valleys, it has seen conditions that would snap most trees in half. Nevertheless, it stands strong.

What's the secret?... The answer lies below the surface. For literally two centuries, the elements have hurled their assaults against the tree. But while storms raged on the outside, the tree quietly developed an inner support system to sustain it. Every gust of wind sent the roots sprawling deeper into the soil, expanding the tree's tenacious grip on the mountain...

We are all like trees subjected to the stormy elements of life. And when they come, we either snap or grow stronger. What makes the difference is not the ferocity of the storm but the depth of our [relationship with Christ].

-- adapted from Andy Stanley in “Like a Rock"

#4319

EDITOR'S NOTE: This quote reminded me of an image I captured last year and posted to my photography website...

WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the LORD and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11-13 NIV)

You have it easily in your power to increase the sum total of this world's happiness now. How? By giving a few words of sincere appreciation to someone who could really use it. It may be someone who is lonely or discouraged. It may be your spouse, your pastor, the nurse who cared for you, the clerk at the store, your Bible study leader, the waitstaff at the restaurant, or your child’s teacher. Perhaps you will forget tomorrow the kind words you say today, but the recipient may cherish them over a lifetime.

-- Adapted from Dale Carnegie


#4229

WATCHING OUR WORDS

Words, words, words. Our society is full of words: on billboards, on television screens, in newspapers and books. Words whispered, shouted, and sung. Words that move, dance, and change in size and color. Words that say, “Taste me, smell me, eat me, drink me, sleep with me,” but most of all, “buy me.” With so many words around us, we quickly say: “Well, they’re just words.” Thus, words have lost much of their power.


Still, the word has the power to create. When God speaks, God creates. When God says, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3), light is. God speaks light. For God, speaking and creating are the same. It is this creative power of the word we need to reclaim. What we say is very important. When we say, “I love you,” and say it from the heart, we can give another person new life, new hope, new courage. When we say, “I hate you,” we can destroy another person. Let’s watch our words.


-- Henri Nouwen




#3704

BUILDING ON THE FOUNDATION

"According to God's grace that was given to me, I have laid a foundation as a skilled master builder, and another builds on it. But each one must be careful how he builds on it. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."  (1 Corinthians 3:10-11)

I believe that a carpenter, the Nazarene carpenter with the Galilean accent and calloused hands, was not merely a man, but He was God.  That's the foundation upon which You must build.  It's the foundation that says my sins have been taken care of, my life has a purpose, and death holds no power over me because I believe in the death conqueror.

-- Max Lucado

#3701

PROMOTING GROWTH

"So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing."  (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NLT)

Our words can promote growth by wrapping others in a cocoon of love and hope.

-- Gary Smalley and John Trent


#3060