Thursday, November 5, 2015

power in blessing and thanks

Today's readings: Ezekiel 12:1-14:11, Hebrews 7:1-17, Psalm 105:37-45, Proverbs 27:3

Have you ever noticed the power of saying thank you?

In our NT reading today, the writer of Hebrews says (very poignantly), "Without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed."

There is great power in words. We usually think of this in a negative way, and the negative way is also true. When you say horrible things to someone, it brings them down.

But... it is much MORE true in the positive way. When you thank someone, or bless someone, you are doing something very profound. You are changing their life.

Sometimes we're uncomfortable with the idea of being powerful. It doesn't sound like the meekness that Jesus talked about in the beatitudes. But when we wield humble power, we use the strength God has given us for the good of others. And that is VERY powerful. It is power for good... both for the person giving the thanks, and the person receiving it.

Read these stories. They're all great. But number 2 is the best, I think. Just one little word of encouragement changed that man's life. His boss had the power to destroy him... or to heal him. And the boss unwittingly said the words that saved his life.

Whose life might you save with your words today?

God, thank You for giving us the awesome privilege and responsibility of changing the world with our words.

1 comment:

Julie said...

Awesome stories and so very true......it only takes a few words of kindness to help others Ives change. Take the time to be kind.