Read: Genesis 50:1-21
THANKS I NEEDED THAT
Do you remember the commercial where the man is slapped with an after shave cologne? He immediately responds with, "Thanks I needed that." What is it that we all need at the beginning of a day? What is it that we need when we first meet people? What is it that we need from time to time? Yes, a kind encouraging word. When we hear an encouraging word, we can all say, "I needed that." Words can help or hurt, comfort or cut. Wars have been started because of words. Words are powerful and give comfort and hope. What you say can be kind and comforting or mean and destructive. "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). All of us can improve upon this area of our lives. Try to encourage and help. Speak kind words that will make the person feel better. As they walk away from us they can say, "Thanks, I needed that."
20 Things to say to your spouse: "I'm glad I married you." "I don't feel complete without you." "Thank you." "I love you." "I trust you." "I'm sorry." "I was wrong." "I like being with you." "I prayed for you today." "I can't imagine life without you." "You are good for me." "Thank you for loving me." "What can I do to help?" "I am here if you need me." "Let's talk about it." "I need you." "Let's go on another honeymoon." "I appreciate you." "I'm glad I got you." "Let's get away and have some time together." Speak these words and hear, "Thanks, I needed that."
20 Things not to say to your spouse: "You never...." "You always..." "I told you so." "You are just like your mother." "It seems you are always in a bad mood." "What's wrong with you?" "You're impossible." "I can do what I want." "What's your problem?" "Where are you going now?" "Leftovers again?" "That was stupid." "You act like a baby." Do you always have to be right." "Who should leave, you or me?" "If you really loved me, you would do this." "It's your fault." "When are you going to grow up?" "I'm fed up with you." "I need to get away ." These are words that your spouse does not need. Some good advice, never start you sentence with, "You never..." Attack the problem not the person.
Speak words that will encourage and enrich a person's life. Invest in your spouse and the rewards will be great. Say words that will bring the positive and lasting results. Do not speak words that will hurt but words that will help. When you hear an encouraging word say, "Thanks, I needed that." [TGC]
THOT: You cannot choose what will happen to you, but you can choose how you will respond.
TODAY: Make a list of 5 nice things to say to someone, then say them.