Choose Your Words Carefully

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. (James 3:9-10 NIV)

I just heard a new statistic. Did you know that supposedly we must receive 25 positive comments to overcome the impact of one negative comment? I don't know if that is true in my own life or not, but I can tell you that as I write this simple devotional, I receive multiple replies everyday. I so much appreciate the positive comments I get. I must be honest, however, that I often allow one negative comment, such as "don't send this junk to me anymore", to be the only thing I remember about the day, as it relates to Mustard Seed. I know I shouldn't be that way, but I am. I suspect you are not too different from that as well.

We are impacted by the feedback we receive from those around us. How many times have you witnessed a child seeking approval from his or her parents? They ask for it because they need it! We all do! During my recent trip to Brazil, those who were trying to speak English wanted to hear that they were doing a good job. I knew that had I corrected them too much, it would have bruised their confidence.

Can I ask you a quick question? (I guess if you made it this far than I have your attention.) Who could you encourage today? Is there someone whose confidence you could build today? Do you know anyone who just needs that little push of inspiration? Pick someone out; perhaps someone you know, maybe someone you don't. Find someone to say something nice to today! Maybe you could say 25 nice things! We all need it to erase all the discouragement we face each day!