Tenderness

Tenderness by Lula Adams

Two mustangs show love

for one another by bowing their heads and tenderly touching one another. They can’t use words, but they do communicate. They use sound, body language, and action to convey their thoughts and intentions, and their approval or disapproval.

We usually start with words to convey our thoughts, our approval or disapproval, our love for one another or anger. We teach with words. We add gestures and other body language to express ourselves more clearly. Words can express complex ideas.

Do you think

much about the words you use? Do you find yourself using sarcasm to express your bitterness in a pleasant way and get a laugh? Do you use lies to make others laugh?

Naturally you use words to pray. Do the words that you speak when you pray matter? If you love God with words when you praise and worship Him, why would you use stinging words to get someone to laugh?

Perhaps you don’t intend to make others look stupid while you feel superior. It’s easy to say words that have a bite, especially when you’re hurt. This is a form of revenge.

We are called higher.

Jesus teaches us to love one another

and even pray for our enemies.

Do not let evil defeat you; instead, conquer evil with good. Romans 12:21

Wisely spoken words can heal!

Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal. Proverbs 12:18

Kind, tender words will make a positive impact. You can release God’s healing love with gentle words.

Scripture quotations are taken from the GOOD NEWS TRANSLATION, SECOND EDITION, Copyright©1992 by American Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.