PODCAST
Importance of Speech
September 23rd, 2013
Proverbs 18:13-24
“John, you’re a bad, bad boy,” I overheard an eight-year-old child telling himself over and over in a mirror. He was just repeating what his parents told him. Recently a middle-school student in Korea committed suicide after being bullied by classmates. Employees, studies find, are willing to work for less pay if they feel appreciated. Church volunteers who never receive thanks from pastors find other churches. What power in words!
A child growing up affirmed and complemented finds it easy in life to praise others. Teenagers who find lonely peers to sit beside in school cafeterias bring back into fellowship those who otherwise might lash out against the community in socially subversive or even violent ways. Employers who reward workers’ accomplishments find not only happier but more productive workers. Pastors who acknowledge the smallest gifts grow congregations that reach into communities.
This day, O Lord, give me words to say that affirm others, words that lift and cheer, words that bring life and hope.
Author: Floyd T. Cunningham
September 23rd, 2013 at 8:01 am
What a good reminder at the start of a new week. Lord, help me listen before I speak today.