Diana C. Derringer shares with us, "The young bride, shoulders slumped and head down, struggles to muffle her sobs so neither her husband nor neighbors hear.
The two-room apartment with paper-thin walls makes privacy non-existent. Seeking refuge on the single step outside the back door, she lifts her woes.
With Jesus as our model, our choice remains clear.
Solitude breaks with her husband’s worried, 'What’s wrong?'
Following a long miserable day, the floodgates open. She hiccups into his shoulder, 'At home we never had to work on our birthdays!'
Not until then does her poor husband have a clue that maintaining their routine on her birthday equals insensitivity in his beloved’s mind.
How was he to know?
How was he to know?
A simple lack of communication resulted in sorrow for her and puzzlement for him. A brief talk turns her tears and his fears into laughter. A few well-chosen words resolved their first major crisis.
Daily we face the challenge of making relationships work according to God’s divine plan. Three simple steps carry us well on our way.
First, discuss concerns before they fester into conflict and misery. Throughout the Bible we see the need to tackle difficult issues.
Jesus, our Prince of Peace, met problems head on when necessary. Whether confronting the religious leaders or correcting missteps of His followers, His response was direct and immediate.
Second, elevate the needs of others over individual desires.
Although He recognized the importance of occasionally drawing away, Jesus often set aside His personal desires. His compassion trumped comfort. He advocated and demonstrated a life of service.
Third, wrap every word and deed in a cloak of unconditional love. God didn’t wait for us to deserve it before showing love to us. We’re also to love one another, warts and all.
Address concerns immediately, use your words wisely, and see every circumstance through the lens of God’s love.
Well-chosen words spoken in love—priceless!"
"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." Proverbs 25:11 NKJV
The Wealth of Words - Diana C. Derringer
Photo courtesy of http://thecommunity.com.au/
Diana Derringer, a former social worker and adjunct professor, writes for several publications.
She teaches a middle school Sunday school class, sings in the choir, and participates in missions activities through her church.
She and her husband enjoy traveling and serving as a friendship family to international university students.
Visit her blog at www.dianaderringer.com.
https://twitter.com/DianaDerri
http://linkedin.com/in/dianade
https://www.facebook.com/diana
https://twitter.com/DianaDerri
http://linkedin.com/in/dianade
https://www.facebook.com/diana
(Used by permission by Diana and www.christiandevotions.us-)
Let’s pray:
Father, we are more aware of our words today, as Diana has brought to our attention that we need to be concerned about what we say.Help me speak with unconditional love, and may what I say be edifying to the hearer.
Help me be careful to make my relationships caring and sensitive to their needs, not mine.
May my choices of words be what pleases You, Father.
In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Today’s Bible verse: Ps. 33:20 "Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield."
Today’s quote: Mary Southerland - "
If we can control our tongues, we can control ourselves. James, a disciple of Jesus, compares the tongue to the rudder on a ship, a bit in the horse’s mouth or a spark that starts a huge fire. The tongue is powerful and difficult to control. Our words can give or destroy life. Once a word is spoken, it is eternal."
If we can control our tongues, we can control ourselves. James, a disciple of Jesus, compares the tongue to the rudder on a ship, a bit in the horse’s mouth or a spark that starts a huge fire. The tongue is powerful and difficult to control. Our words can give or destroy life. Once a word is spoken, it is eternal."
Some thoughts today: God saves us to be models of His creative Salvation from our old past. We're to be imitators of God to those around us.
- In Gen. 24, we see that Abraham had a high regard for marriage, when he instructed his servant to go to his people and find God's choice for his son. Are we willing to bring God into our decisions like this? He does know who would be the best one to fulfill His purposes for our children.
- Marriage was designed by God to be totality relationship, not piece meal before marriage. There's a long-term blessing in God's plan, but just lust fulfillment otherwise, with consequences following.
- In Gen. 24, we see that Abraham had a high regard for marriage, when he instructed his servant to go to his people and find God's choice for his son. Are we willing to bring God into our decisions like this? He does know who would be the best one to fulfill His purposes for our children.
- Marriage was designed by God to be totality relationship, not piece meal before marriage. There's a long-term blessing in God's plan, but just lust fulfillment otherwise, with consequences following.
Sunday evening's post: Why I Love Jesus Mary Carothers
18th Tuesday's post: #67 Seven Years of Learning C. Peter Wagner
20th Thursday's post: #68 Intercessors Need Help Too C. Peter Wagner
22nd Saturday's post: When All You Have is Trust Toni Campbell
18th Tuesday's post: #67 Seven Years of Learning C. Peter Wagner
20th Thursday's post: #68 Intercessors Need Help Too C. Peter Wagner
22nd Saturday's post: When All You Have is Trust Toni Campbell
A popular post: Ingratitude is Contagious...Don't Be a
Carrier Sharon Jaynes shares with us, "Ingratitude laced
with grumbling, complaining, and murmuring is an easy trap
to fall into."
Carrier Sharon Jaynes shares with us, "Ingratitude laced
with grumbling, complaining, and murmuring is an easy trap
to fall into."
 |
| Let's be mindful of what we say, that it honors God. |
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