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HomeWord - May 20, 2008

 


Like Honey for the Soul 
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden

“Kind words are like honey – sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”  Proverbs 16:24

“Cancer” is just one of those words.  It evokes different reactions in different people.  For the most part, it is a scary word.  No one ever hears cancer and thinks “Great News!”  So what do you say to someone when you learn they have this disease (or any for that matter)?  Do you say anything at all?  It’s tough to know the right thing to do at these moments. But, sometimes when we decide not to say anything, we miss an opportunity to encourage someone.

My dad was recently diagnosed with cancer and it has been interesting to watch people do the dance of trying to decide if they should say anything…or what they should say!  We all have been faced with this challenge.  How do you let others know you are praying for them and thinking about them, without making them feel inundated with worry, concern and questions?  Where is the balance?  On one hand, we want them to know we care, and on the other hand, we know that they want to continue on as normally as possible without having to be constantly reminded of their sickness, or defined by it.

I love today’s proverb that addresses the concept of words.  This verse tells us that kind words are like honey.  Honey is smooth and sweet and good for you.  If we consider the opposite, unkind (or bad words) are like daggers to the gut, slowly tearing our spirit and soul down.

When I am faced with a situation where I have an opportunity to encourage someone or let her know I am thinking about her (or him), I remember that one cannot go wrong with kind words.  Yes, we need to think through timing and location, and the need to choose carefully what we say, but it’s unlikely that anyone will be angry with someone who has good intentions.  Let me encourage you to take every opportunity to share with others words that are kind.  They are like honey for the soul.

To comment on today's devotional, click here.


       

GOING DEEPER:

1. How do you feel when someone shares a kind word with you?

2. With whom can you share good words today?

FURTHER READING:
Proverbs 15:4; Romans 13:11; James 3:2

Kelly McFadden currently works at Mariners Church Southern California. She and her husband Michael are the new parents of Campbell McFadden.


 

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