The Ministerial Alliance Minute

By Pastor Brian Johnson, First Baptist Church, Winnie

  Things in this world don’t always go according to plan. Life can be tough. Some days feel heavier than others, and we all carry burdens no one else can see.

  That’s why it means so much when, on a hard day, someone offers a word of encouragement. You’d probably agree — negativity isn’t hard to find. Critics are everywhere. There’s always someone ready to judge or point out flaws.

  But how refreshing is it when someone does the opposite? When they offer a compliment, a little praise, or a sincere word of encouragement right when you need it most. I don’t know about you, but I love that. I long for that.

  The Bible tells us in Ephesians 4:29, “No foul language is to come from your mouth, but only what is good for building up someone in need, so that it gives grace to those who hear.”

  What if we decided today to stop speaking words that tear people down? What if we chose to speak only what builds up? In a world that can be harsh, let’s be people whose words strengthen and encourage.

  You never know when your words might be exactly what someone needs to keep going.