A Good Word
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.”
Proverbs 12:25
When I am in physical pain, it helps when friends offer life-giving words. Instead of saying, “Oh, I’m so sorry; I feel so bad for you,” instead, they’ll commend me for a courageous outlook, or a hopeful spirit, or a persevering attitude. They’ll say, “Joni, with Christ I just bet you can do this; you can make it, and I’m here to help.” Words like that really, really help! Because pain can tend to shrink things.
But life feels larger when a friend strengthens me with life-giving words. Proverbs says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Good words strengthen my heart, and they can help hurting people that you know. So, as you offer encouragement, remember the best word of all; give the Word himself, Jesus Christ – he always has wonderful words of Life.
