“An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. ” (Proverbs 12:25)
Here are two undeniable facts. One, many (most?) of the people around you on any given day are worried about something. Even if they don’t show it, a good chunk of your friends and/or family members are stewing about something they don’t know how to fix. That “weighs them down” a little or a lot.
Second fact: You can help lighten the burden. Careful now: You probably can’t fix the problem that’s got them worried. You can’t take away the reason for their worry. But you have it in your power to do something about the weight of it.
Everyone can speak a kind word. It might take a little practice; we’re usually so wrapped up in ourselves that we don’t think of it. But if you make yourself into a person who says kind words (i.e., something nice you wouldn’t have to say), you will become known as someone who makes hard days a little easier.
That’s a good person to be.
Think: Can you think of anyone who said some kind words to you this week and really meant them? What was that worth to you?
Pray: Ask God to help you to remember to say kind words to your friends and family as a way of encouraging them.
Do: Listen this week for good examples of kind words that really work to cheer people up.