Last night I came across this verse as I was reading my Bible:

“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.” (Proverbs 3:27 ESV)

This really stood out to me mainly because my heart was still sensitive to what happened to not only me last week, but also the attacks made on some very outstanding bloggers.

Words hurt. And it seems like people really like to use words when they are mad and when they want to criticize and cut down someone or something. Why are we so eager to express disapproval but hesitate to offer encouragement or compliments? This verse is clear: “Do not withhold good.”

I know that I find it so easy to ask to “speak to a manager” to complain about some shoddy service I am receiving, but when have I asked to speak to a manager because the service was excellent?

The last part of the verse adds “when it is in your power to do it,” which adds a unique dimension. I can’t cure cancer, I can’t mend broken hearts, and I certainly don’t have the formula for world peace. But do you know what is in my power? A kind word. A word of encouragement. The power to let someone know that they are doing a good job. The ability to remind the disheartened that they are appreciated and loved.

Guess what? You have that same power.

Yea, words can hurt. But they also can be extremely uplifting.

I’m going to try to take extra effort to offer words of encouragement and also to hold my tongue when I want to criticize. Will it be easy? Probably not at first. But just like everything else, I bet it gets better with practice.

P.S. I appreciate each and everyone of you!