Who have I encouraged lately?

I personally enjoy reading the bible to dig deeper into its rich theology, and in doing so, I continue to come across the “regular” everyday life wisdom and application. Seems to be the way God intended it to come across. Back in May I started to read Proverbs to start each day, tapping into one of God’s resources for wise living. Then recently I added James and a Psalm to that daily routine. James is often referred to as the “Proverbs of the New Testament”, and Psalms serves as a great reminded to praise God, no matter what.

In light of some recent personal life events, I am amazed at the different verses that jump out at me each time I read through these books. I am on my seventh time through Proverbs, and I am seeing verses that I surely read before but never paused to reflect on.

For instance, this morning, in Proverbs 15, one theme really touched my heart. Look at the different way the writer says much of the same thing: “Gentle answer”, “tongue of the wise”, “soothing tongue”, “lips of the wise”.

And there’s more…”slow to anger”, “pleasant words are pure”, heart of the righteous ponders how to answer”, and “before honor comes humility”.

So, now flip to James 1. “Quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger”. We are told there as in the Proverb, that these qualities help pursue righteousness, and that by these we will achieve the righteousness of God. An obvious way that God works through us is by our speech, by our conduct toward others. By yielding to the Spirit, who urges us to act according to righteousness, God makes us more like Christ, if we will only let Him.

James says that we should receive the word in humility. If there is an area where we have no trouble whatsoever, it is thinking well of ourselves. Where we really need God’s help is in thinking more of Him, more of each other, and humble service in honor of Christ. Who doesn’t need more of God’s wisdom?

I am awed by the simple complexity of God’s Word. Why does God have to tell us over and over how to live for Him? Apparently we need the constant reminders. I know I do!

SO WHAT…?

So, does this mean we are to be timid people afraid to say the wrong thing to someone? No, quite the contrary. We are to seek out opportunities to speak an encouraging word. We are also to react to those “less than encouraging” with being slow to anger, humble.

So then, it is also only natural that we would seek the companionship and friendship of those who express these qualities of righteousness. So, likewise, I must strive to express them myself.

So, am I an encouragement to others? Really, am I? Is my tongue, my speech, soothing? When people hear me, do they hear righteousness or foolishness? And no matter what their response, do I consistently display Christ-likeness? At the beginning and end of each day, I pray I have done all with a sincere and humble heart, just like God told me in His Word.