The Stickiness of Words

 

Gracious words are

        like honeycomb,

sweetness to the soul

and health to the body.

           Proverbs 16. 24

(Gracious words do not just

   suddenly appear

   in our vocabulary,

but thrive in the work of our hearts.

Like a honeycomb,

  nectar is gathered and prepared,

intentional in producing

   what is sweet and healing.

Gracious words

  are not a pretense to "be nice,"

  but intentional in well-being.

Even one gracious word

        in unlikely circumstances,

   surprises everyone

   with an unexpected gift.

And prepares our hearts

    to be ready for the next hard situation.

Gracious words are

        appropriate for all occasions,

  neither earned or deserved,

but always what heals and strengthens.

Practice grace in this.

A friend told a story about a young man

   who had really messed up.

He dreaded his mom's wrath.

And when she responded unexpectedly

           with gracious words,

   it changed not just his behavior,

                  but his heart.

Gracious words are in it

          for the long game.)

O LORD,

As You have extended 

      so much grace to us,

empower us with the words

  to cover this situation with 

               Your grace.

Help us to be sensitive

and aware of opportunities

to practice grace in this.

Change our hearts

   and our intentions

to bring Your sweetness

  with buckets full of gracious words.