Words of Life

Words of Life

How have the words of others affected your well-being in the past week? Were they conveyed with kindness or cruelty, or maybe a combination of both? How did you react to what you heard?

Words can bring life or implicit death, depending on the message and how the tone affects us. The disciples of Jesus were confronted with the choice of remaining as followers of their controversial Rabbi. Peter answered Jesus when He questioned whether the remaining twelve would leave, as many others had abandoned Him following a difficult teaching in Capernaum. In John 6:68, Peter replied honestly, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.” Peter displayed wise discernment in his response, and the good news is that we can ALL be encouraged by the truth of his statement. To whom do we run when we are troubled? It is always beneficial to turn to the Lord by opening His Word, seeking Him in prayer, or by trusting a godly friend for encouragement during times of need.

This recently occurred for me as I was doubting my effectiveness in a ministry at my church, where I serve. I sought the counsel of godly friends. While a little frightened of what their answer might be, I determinedly asked the leaders of my team if they thought my effectiveness had run its course. Their loving and genuine responses served to lift me out of the ‘pit’ of doubt I had fallen into, and I was restored to confidence to continue in my service, rather than giving up and stepping down. That’s how powerful ‘words of life’ are when spoken in love. It wasn’t just that they had affirmed me; it was that they spoke the truth in love, so even if their response had been a different one, I would have been encouraged by the love and kindness of my friends.

At this Thanksgiving season, may we share words of life with others and express gratitude to those who share them with us.

Let us Walk in His Way.

Dear Lord, since we bear Your image and are Your ambassadors here on Earth, please help our words to be life-giving, kind, and rooted in truth. Let what we say reflect the love we have for one another. Our awareness of what we say could hopefully make someone else’s day. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

by Corinne “Kinney” deHamel

author of “Walk in His Way” for

Carry the Light Ministries