Proverbs 16:24
Some
people you just like to be around. Have you noticed that? They speak and their
words are soothing, healing even. You want to just spend time with them,
listening, talking, absorbing.
And
then there are people whose words are like chalkboard fingernails. Every word
they speak seems to cut to the core. You can’t wait to get away. If they are
your boss, you have your resume’ all ready to send at a moment’s notice.
For
me, when someone is always negative, always degrading others, always making
excuses, I can’t wait to leave. When I know they are lying, I tune out. When
they lie habitually, forget it. “If you like your _____, you can keep it.” Get
me out of earshot.
Our
proverb tells us that speech that is filled with grace is the kind of speech we
all desire, all need, all want. No judgments, just pouring out what we have
received into another human being. I want to be that kind of person. I want my
conversation to be filled with grace. I am beginning to understand the depths
the LORD had to go to rescue me, so I want to return the favor and be willing
to extend grace to the ends of the earth, or even across the street.
I
love honeycomb. God sure knew what He was doing when He designed honeybees.
Dripping sweetness. The way it hangs off a spoon. And then it hits your tongue,
wow. That is the way grace-filled words touch us. They reach to the deepest
part of us and bring healing. They soothe.
Too
many times in my life my words have not been like this. How about you?