Part Five: Speak Positively

The letter of James contains some very amazing statements about the power of that little part of our body we call our tongue. James compares it to the rudder of a great ship that controls where the ship goes. He compares it to the small spark that can start a huge forest fire. The fact is, the things we say can have a tremendous impact on what we accomplish and what we become. Words can build up or tear down, so they must be chosen carefully. The truth is, it is not enough just to eliminate the negativity from our vocabulary. We must replace it with positivity. God will not be able to accomplish the big things that He has in store for MoSt unless we make our tongues the positive force for the good that He intended.

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Word:

All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet. (Acts 4:32-37)

Meditation Thought: One of the great men in the early days of the church was Joseph. Without him, Saul, who later becomes Paul, would never have gained acceptance by the Christians he formerly persecuted. Without him, the missionary journeys which spread the gospel over the Mediterranean world would probably not have happened. Without him, the writer of our second gospe. would probably given up after Paul refused to allow him on the second missionary journey. But this Joseph didn’t give up on people. The fact is, we don’t even know him by the name Joseph. We know him by the nickname the apostles gave him — Barnabas — which means “son of encouragement.” What a tremendous tribute.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I want to be one whose words give people the encouragement they need to keep going when times are tough. Help me ot speak those positive words that give hope to the discouraged, help to those who are struggling, and healing tot hose who are hurting. Give me the wisdom to know when more can be communicated by silent, shared tears than by spoken words, or when a hug or a pat on the back can mean more than words could ever express. In the name of the one who spoke more by outstretched arms and nail-pierced hands than we can say in a lifetime, Amen.