It’s a small wooden trunk, a simple box really, but every time I glance at that trunk, it brings a smile to my face!  It’s not the box itself, but the knowledge of what resides in it.  Words… so simple, yet quite profound.  My wooden trunk is filled with the words of others… words of thanks, words of love, words of encouragement.  That trunk is a “thesaurus,” literally, a treasure of words that speak to my heart.

You may be familiar with the Five Love Languages™ introduced by Gary Chapman.  These “languages” are the primary ways that people tend to give and receive love.  Words of affirmation are appreciated by most everyone, even if it’s not each person’s top love language.  For me, it ranks near the tippy-top!  So, when I receive a card that includes a note of blessing or affirmation, it touches a place deep within me and replenishes my “love tank.”

Words of affirmation can be simple “good jobs!” or “You’re great!” But that’s truly just the start!  Life-filled words stir sparks of hope in disheartening situations.  They bring inspiration in the midst of discouragement.  Words of affirmation provide comfort in hurt, light in darkness, and peace in the fearful places.

Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24

Life-giving words are tools that build others up.  They may be declarations of a positive future, celebrations of character qualities, or sharing of proud moments.  We are made in the image of our Creative Father God!  He enables us to find creative ways to use our vocabulary of “life” words to build up those in our realm of influence.  One of my “treasure cards” includes 10 truths that a precious sister wrote about me.  What a creative way to build up a friend!

The beauty of written words is that you can revisit them often.  However, spoken words are precious drops of blessing as well.  Encouragement and life spoken to or about someone in the hearing of others strengthens hearts and heals souls.  Ephesians 4:29 reminds us to use our talk to build others up according to their need at that moment.

Life goes fast, often dragging us behind…  It’s time to press pause and ask ourselves, “How can I build others up today?” “What word of encouragement can I speak to a service worker?”  “What positive declaration can I make over a difficult situation?”  “In what way can I celebrate my spouse, child, or co-worker?”  The opportunities are unlimited!  All that’s required are life-building words and a heart to bless!  II Corinthians 4:7 declares that the Treasure that’s inside of us longs to pour light and life on those in our world; and YOU and I get to be a part His plan!

Dive Deeper: Proverbs 18:21, II Corinthians 4:6-7    

Live Loved,

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