ForgottenWoman

Four Letter Words that Encourage and More

We looked at many things concerning our words previously. So, what should I focus on if I truly want my communication to be something that brings light into the lives of those I’m communicating with? I have some ideas. One of those is to look at four letter words that uplift, encourage, inspire and bring joy into the lives of others.

Love. This one is obvious. Just say it. I love you. Say it in person. Say it in writing. Say it through text. Just say it. Whoever you say it to enjoys for that moment a message that speaks directly to their hearts.

Like. Yep! If you like something someone does – tell them! If you like something someone makes – tell them! If you like someone’s sense of humor – laugh and tell them! If you like someone’s clothing style – tell them! If you like someone’s smile – tell them! If you like someone’s work – tell them. You get the picture!

Hear. Listening is more important than speaking in communication. The Bible tells us to listen before we speak… too often we are planning what we are going to say next and never hear what is being said to us.

Help. If you see someone struggling, ask how you can help them. If you know someone is hurting; just show up and say, “I’m here to help you!” If you see a job that needs to be done, step up and help.

Amen. We know that this word means that we agree. Often, those around you simply need their feelings, their opinions, their very existence validated. While this isn’t a word we are going to necessarily use when listening and validating – the meaning of the word is what I’m focusing on.

Hope. When we communicate with others, it is always a good thing to speak hope into their situation.

Kind. We need to stop and assess what we are going to say before speaking. Is what I’m about to say kind?

Heal. Intentionally reaching into the lives of others and simply walking through life with them often is the very thing they need to insure healing from any type of life wound: physical or emotional.

Safe. Any and everyone should feel safe in the presence of a Christ-follower. How you and I communicate with others will either make them feel vulnerable or safe.

Care. Intentionally let others know that you care. When we go throughout our days carelessly, we can miss the opportunity to communicate care to others. Look around. Pay attention. And care.

So, these are a few four letter words that can be life changing when we intentionally communicate them to those in our lives. This type of speech must be ON PURPOSE or we miss many opportunities.

The other type of communication I’d like to mention here is simply how we handle our interaction with those within the service industry who are in a position of serving us. Hopefully, you and I find ourselves serving more often than we are being served; but if we eat out at a restaurant, if we order in a drive thru, if we hire someone to work within or around our home… we are being served. You know who should be the biggest tipper in the restaurant? You and I! Who should communicate our appreciation for the service we receive? You and I! Who should intentionally make our “server” glad that we were their customers? You and I! Who should leave those who serve us smiling when we leave? You and I! What do we communicate when we are intentional about this? We communicate that they are of value – not only to us but to the God we serve.

Our words matter. Our communication matters. When Scripture speaks of how we communicate, it always points us to blessing the hearer.

James 1:19
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.

Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

Proverbs 15:1
A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

1 Corinthians 2:14
The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.

2 Timothy 2:16
But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.

Ephesians 4:15
Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.

Ephesians 4:25
Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Jeremiah 1:9
Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.”

Matthew 12:34
“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.

Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Proverbs 13:17
A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing.

Proverbs 15:2
The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.

Proverbs 16:23
The heart of the wise makes his speech judicious and adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Proverbs 18:13
If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.

Proverbs 18:17
The one who states his case first seems right, until the other comes and examines him.

Proverbs 18:2
A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

Proverbs 18:21
Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.

Proverbs 25:11
A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.

Psalm 19:14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

In the book of James we are reminded that our speech is one of the most difficult areas of our lives to master. I’m working on it. Join me?