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PROGRAM D-7208
During this Christmas season, I’m talking about how to have a merry heart for a truly merry Christmas. We noted that putting a smile on our faces is one simple way to help others be merry.
A second way to have a merry heart is to choose words that are cheerful. Proverbs 16:24 says “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Did you ever realize that pleasant words from you can really bring healing to other people—even physical healing to their bones? It’s so easy for us to get caught up in the negative, complaining atmosphere that is usually prevalent in our working worlds. If you want to have a merry heart, start concentrating on having pleasant words.
What if—just what if—we started flooding our worlds with pleasant words? What if our co-workers heard our pleasant words, regardless of how things are on the job? What if our children heard pleasant words, even when we’re tired or irritated? What if our family or mates heard pleasant words from us, even when they’re dishing out unpleasant ones? What do you think would happen?
A friend was telling me how her teenage son had taught her the power of pleasant words. She would come home from work, focused on getting dinner on the table for her three boys, making sure they did their homework, getting the house in good condition, etc., and without realizing it, she would walk in the door with harsh words of instruction and criticism for the boys. Finally one of her boys said, “Mom, you always are in such a bad mood when you get home.” And this brought on a conversation which caused my friend to realize that in trying to be a good mom, she was instead coming across as harsh and demanding. Her motives were good but her choice of words and tone of voice were not.
We need to say pleasant words to ourselves, too. Tell yourself that your hair looks nice, instead of always saying, “I look awful today.” Tell yourself that you’re a very special person to God, instead of saying you’re a failure. Those pleasant words will be sweet to your own soul and they will begin a healing process in your spirit.
Want to have a merry heart for a merry Christmas? Use pleasant words all day today. It will cheer you up and everyone around you.