“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 NLT

Today’s post will not be too long, I just saw this scripture and it went perfect with my feelings lately and I thought I’d share in case anyone else was feeling the same way.

The reason this scripture was so fitting for me is because I have been struggling with this very thing, mainly with my family members.

You see I grew up in a house where there wasn’t a lot of affection and I’m used to being stern and firm in my choice of words, especially when I get frustrated with some of their decisions they make or fail to make.

Isn’t it true that sometimes the hardest people to love are your own loved ones?

We can love the heck out of kids in Africa or the homeless people we help at shelters or the people in our church but when it comes to our own families we sure can shut them down quick.

I’m learning to take a different approach which is to encourage them instead of discourage them, to help them figure out what needs to be done instead of telling them what to do.

There is a saying which I love, it says “people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” and as I grow wiser, I truly understand this.

Sometimes people just need compassion and encouragement; your words can either cut like a knife or soothe like a lullaby. They can make a persons day or ruin it; that’s one reason I love when scriptures stick in my head because there are times when someone just needs to be lifted up and what better than an inspiring word from God.

So if you’re like me, maybe it’s not with your loved ones but maybe your co-workers or friends or even strangers, try giving words of encouragement instead of back talk or put downs or bad attitudes, sometimes people just need to know that someone cares.

Thanks for visiting!

God Bless.