Kind words go a long way

                   Proverbs 16:24

       24 Kind words are like honey, sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.

      There is power in the tongue, in words we speak. "For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way."      James 3:2

      This is a couple of days late, but do you remember when President Bush spoke to the nation after 9/11 about American resolve and  a nation that's not divided, that would stand together. We had a leader that spoke the words necessary to lead and move the nation. He spoke with passion and sincerity.

      Many times we are moved by what people say. Words and emotions speak to the heart and move us to act. Sometimes, more often than not, people say things that are hateful and not uplifting, this includes us as Christians. We can be ugly or sharp with someone, but this is not right! "Fresh water and salt water do not flow out of the same fountain." Neither should blessings and cursings. It might be that we are having a bad day and woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but the consequences we will regret.
    
                   James 3:7-11
   
7 People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison. 9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. 10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! 11 Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water?

     What kind of damage do we cause when we are snappy with someone? How does it makes us feel when someone treats us ugly?
     
     1 Thessalonians 5:11-12 NLT

     So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance.
There is power in your tongue to build up or tear down. "Life and death is in the tongue."
1 Thessalonians 5:12, the very next verse after "building up" is your leaders in the Lord's work. This is not a coincidence. We build each other up and we honor our leaders.

Now, back to
Proverbs 16:24

    24 Kind words are like honey—
sweet to the soul and healthy for    the body.
"Sweet" to the soul and "healthy" to the body. Say a kind word and eat some honey!