Weekly Devotion - #38
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.
This lesson is from 30 Heart Touching Devotions
available from SWM.
You have permission to copy for personal and church use.
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