Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – April 9, 2015
Be assured that my words are not false; one who has perfect knowledge is with you. Job 36:4
God made His children to need reassuring words like: I love you—I am here for you—I am committed to you no matter what—I am extremely grateful for you—You are beautiful—I admire you—Your work is outstanding—You are a special friend—We will not go into debt—We will thoroughly pray before any major decision—God is with you.
Reassuring words ratchet up the value of a relationship, as it is not enough just to think or feel committed. Verbalized care creates confidence and security. Ambiguity feeds insecure illusions and false fantasies. Pride thinks it can keep quiet and somehow communicate care, while humility can’t help but speak words of comfort and affection.
“If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 4:11).
Moreover, see your speech as a mouthpiece for God. He calls His children to be conduits of good conversation on behalf of Christ. What the Lord thinks about your spouse or work associate is the starting point for discussions. It’s not always about your agenda; instead reassure their goals and aspirations. Reassurance brings emotional rest.
Behavior motivated by fear generally lacks assurance. The fearful need to know that they are heard and not alone in their concerns. They feel loved, because they hear genuine words from a friend who communicates that they understand. Conversing with care must precede the pronouncement of truth—indeed this leads to constructive conversation.
“One who loves a pure heart and who speaks with grace will have the king for a friend” (Proverbs 22:11).
Most of all hear the reassuring words of your heavenly Father. He loves and adores you—He values you as the pinnacle of His creation—You are forgiven and precious to Him—Christ is your biggest cheerleader—He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you”—You are His friend, His servant, His child and a trophy of His grace. Listen to the Lord’s loving words to you and by faith, you will receive His righteous reassurance.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
Prayer: What words of assurance can I speak to my spouse, friends and those I serve at work?
Related Readings: 1 Samuel 17:18; Esther 9:30; Acts 20:2; Hebrews 10:22
Post/Tweet this today: Reassuring words ratchet up the value of a relationship. Verbalized care creates confidence and security. #reassuringwords #wisdomhunters
Additional Resource: 6 minute music video- Chris Tomlin: How Great is Our God
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