Proverbs 16 - 8.26.26

Scripture: Proverbs 16:24

Gracious words are a honeycomb,
    sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

Observation

Today I am filled with gratitude for my church family at Desert Streams. I am thankful for your partnership, your prayers, your love and your support. I am so lucky to be surrounded by a church who loves God with their whole heart and loves each other. Although I am thankful for each of you, I forget to say it. God has been working on me, showing me the importance of speaking words of encouragement and lifting each other up.

Application

God created us to live in community and to support each other. He created us to need each other. And throughout the Bible he encourages us to lift each other up.

I asked Google how it impacts someone when we share kind words:

·       Receiving a genuine compliment activates the same brain region stimulated by receiving cash or a physical gift.

·       Kind words cause a release of dopamine, the brain's feel-good chemical, which can make the positive feeling persist for hours or days.

·       A sincere remark makes people feel seen, appreciated, and valued for their unique efforts or personality rather than feeling invisible.

The goal of sharing kind words is not to flatter someone, but to encourage them and promote spiritual growth. And it strengthens our relationships and makes us feel good too!

I Thessalonians 5:11, Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Romans 15:2, Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up.

Prayer

God, please continue to remind me of the importance of not holding my words of encouragement, support, and thankfulness in, but to freely share them with others. Forgive me for the times when I think of sharing, but forget to follow through. Help us to encourage one another daily and continue to grow in love. Amen

- Debbie Dunn