Todays Meditation Luke 4:14-22 January 8, 2015 Christmas Weekday . . . the gracious words that came from his mouth. (Luke 4:22) Words are often downplayed next to actions. Actions speak louder, as the saying goes. Even great saints are quoted as saying that words should only be a supplement to how we live our lives. This may be true, but it doesn’t mean that we should discount words entirely. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus shows the value and importance of words in his ministry. Even as he was loving people, healing them, and caring for them, he was speaking to them, proclaiming the good news to them. Did Jesus speak words of bitterness or complaint? Can you imagine him angrily yelling at someone who cut him off with a donkey cart in Jerusalem traffic? No, his words were gracious! They were warm and inviting. Even when he spoke to his enemies, his voice probably cracked with emotions like sadness and frustration rather than fury and hatred. And because of the words he used and the way he spoke them, people flocked to his side. If you ever doubt that your words—even your smallest comments—have great power, think about the effects that negative words have. Were you ever made fun of as a child? Did anyone ever make an offhand remark that still stings? How long have they stuck with you? These negative comments can fall so carelessly from our lips. We might be quick to criticize or judge, without remembering how deeply words can hurt and limit a person’s potential. If negative speech can have such a profound impact, imagine how much more power your words of encouragement, appreciation, and affirmation can have! In their training, new teachers are taught that for each criticism or correction they give, they should also give at least three positive comments. So try to put this into practice today. For every complaint that slips out, be sure to say three positive things. Encourage your spouse and children and co-workers and neighbors. Thank the cashier at the grocery store. Bless the person who cuts you off in traffic. Try to make all of your words gracious. You never know—you may give the only encouragement that someone receives all day! “Lord, let my words be gracious like yours.” 1 John 4:19–5:4 Psalm 72:1-2, 14-15, 17
Posted on: Thu, 08 Jan 2015 07:17:10 +0000
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