The Tongue - Week 3

 "Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression,

But a good word makes it glad."

Proverbs 12:25 (New King James Version)

We are two days post election 2016.  I am still reeling from 18 long months of campaigning.  My Facebook feed was filled with horrible accusations from both Democrats and Republicans.  And while I expect that from people who do not name the name of Jesus, I sure don't expect Christians to be calling other Christians "haters." 

Think about it.  How did unbelievers in the New Testament know that someone had been changed into a follower of Jesus?  It says that they marveled over witnessing the love they had for one another.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     What does the lack of love between Christians communicate?   It does not take a super smart person to figure out the answer to that question.  Something not good.  Something not full of Jesus.

What can we do during this season when so many of our friends are trying to come to grips with a Trump presidency?  As usual, the Bible can give us good guidance.  The verse at the top of the page tells us we can give a good word to people, a word that can calm their anxieties.  Put yourself in their place. If you were a Clinton supporter,  what kind of fears would you be having right now?  Speak a good word to make your anxious friend have hope again. 

Proverbs 25:11 in the New King James Version is a more poetic way of saying the same thing.  Can you find a word for your friend that fits perfectly into how they may be feeling today?

Remember, a fit or good word is not a one size fits all word.  I saw on Facebook someone saying "Don't tell me God is in control."  Ok, well, that would be the perfect thing to tell me when I'm hand-wringing over the current administrations inability or lack of willingness to admit there are radical, extremist Muslims out there that want us dead.  But one person's fit word is another person's unfit word.  If you know the person well enough to know the difference, speak a word that gives life, lifts depression, and restores hope.

I charge you to go out and do this today and everyday.