Encouraging Words
A recent study has shown that encouraging words from a healthcare provider can help patients recuperate faster from their ailments. We surely have plenty of healthcare issues today. We need to get better.
One time, my grandmother changed doctors. This was unusual in Loudoun County since there weren’t a lot of doctors at the time. I asked my grandmother why she refused to go back to her doctor, and she said he has the “bedside manners of a horse doctor, and I’m not a horse.”
I think we’re all like this. We respond better to a doctor or nurse who uses encouraging words. The writer of Proverbs knew how important gracious words are. Proverbs 16:24 says, “Gracious words bring healing to the bones.”
Encouraging words are not limited to healing. Encouraging words help us to learn. When I was in high school, my physics teacher told me one day that I had a gift for physics, and he wanted me to use it. I did well in physics in high school and college, and a lot of the reason why was because that high school teacher encouraged me.
We may not fully understand why or even how much wisdom and encouragement bring strength and healing to our daily lives. The cheers of our parents, coaches and colleagues help us endure difficulty and steer us toward success. The Bible does the same thing by providing encouragement when we face trials, helping us bear up under the worst of circumstances.
During this time of pandemic – we need to go to God’s Word to find hope. We need to share an encouraging word and seek healing words for those who are placed in our lives. Carolyn and I received a call this week from a friend who said God told him to call one person a day, share a smile and make sure they were doing okay. This friend was using encouraging words. Following his example is a great challenge for all of us.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for your words of healing and hope. Guide me to speak an encouraging word to someone today!
Proverbs 16:14 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Tricia Louque