A GOOD WORD

MEMORY VERSE: Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad (Proverbs 12:25).

Recently I read a letter of appreciation from a Christian friend. I cannot tell you how much that kind word meant to me. I was lifted and encouraged.

There are too many times in life that I have not taken time to give a good word to others when it was in order. How easy it is to take one another for granted.

A wife keeps her house in order for years and her husband just expects it to be that way. He seldom takes her in his arms to whisper words of appreciation. What a waste of opportunity!

A husband and father labors hard and provides for his family. Finally, after life is past, the children gather at his funeral to talk about what a good man he was. That's too late! There were a thousand times when one of those kind comments would have rebuilt his confidence and recharged his vitality.

A family works in the church. He serves on the board. She teaches and sings in the choir. They are faithful in their place at every opportunity. Then, one day they are gone. Why? They've decided to try another church. Diagnosis? Discouragement! A good word might have improved their service and kept the fires burning in their hearts.

We are all just human enough to need a good word once in a while. Heaviness comes to all from time to time. Smiles may cover inner turmoil and depression. That seemingly radiant person who works next to you may be hiding a burdened heart.

Lift a stooping heart. Give a good word to someone you meet today.