Words Of Encouragement

April 19, 2024

“So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire!” James 3:5 (ESV)

At some point we have all had the experience of getting a bump, bruise, or a minor cut from something we were doing. Initially we were in pain and the wound did not look good, but over time we were able to experience healing, and although we may still have a mark of where we were bruised, the pain has subsided and left. There have also been times when we have been wounded by words spoken to us by others. Those words left wounds and cuts that were not visible but were more painful and devastating. We must remember that our tongue is a powerful weapon that can wound people if we are not careful. The Scripture reminds us that, so also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire. I encourage you today to not set a fire with your tongue. Choose your words carefully when you are speaking. Do not allow a word in anger to cause damage to someone who may not be able to quickly heal from the attack of the tongue. Just one strike of a match can set an entire forest on fire, and just one untimed word can wound someone for life. Use your tongue to speak words of life to inspire someone to do great things. I have been injured by the tongue of those who I thought loved me, and I have not always used my words to be an encouragement to people, but I will make sure that the words that I speak to people will encourage and uplift and to help and not to harm. Since I will use my tongue to encourage people and to praise The Lord, I have no doubt, “It’s My Year To Get My Thing From My God!”

Prayer:

Lord forgive me for not always using my words to encourage. Thank you Lord for always speaking words of life to me. Allow me to speak words of life to others and to glorify you in all that I do. I love you Lord. In Jesus Name Amen.

Be Inspired, Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Pastor
Greater Centennial A.M.E. Zion Church
Mount Vernon, NY