(by pastor Jean)

“Kind words are as honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” (Prov 16:24; NLT). This is reiterated in Proverbs 15:4 where it says that “A gentle tongue (with its healing power) is a tree of life” (AMPC). We see from these 2 verses that a kind word from someone can actually bring health to the body. (See also Proverbs 12:18). There is nothing like a kind word to encourage you and lift your spirits. Proverbs 12:25 tells us that anxiety will weigh us down but a kind word will cheer us up (NIV). It does not require much energy on our part; it is largely making the decision to be led by the spirit rather than our flesh (Gal 5:16). The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 is a good example of this, “on her tongue is the law of kindness” (Prov 31:26; AMPC). She had obviously made it a habit to speak kindly because it had become a law for her. The apostle Paul also stressed the importance of kind words as he said that our speech should be gracious and “an encouragement to others” (Eph 4:29), Col 4:6). Like love, speaking kind words is a choice. I always remember what my mother used to say, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!” That is scriptural! I encourage you to look for opportunities today to say something kind and encouraging today, even something as simple as “your hair looks nice” might just make all the difference in someone’s day!