THE POWER OF WORDSSample

What might be a timely word?

To offer a timely word means we need to be truly present with others. During COVID restrictions, people became increasingly creative in building connection, but there is nothing like the physical presence, or, as a colleague described people returning to the office, ‘warm bodies in a room’. 

I would urge you to encourage each other. Look for a ‘timely word’. In an email, ask how the recipient of the email is. Leave some time in a phone conversation to find out how the other is doing. Share some news. Be kind. Always be kind. It is a much undervalued attribute, but when one receives kindness it is like a warm embrace. 

If you constantly seek the fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians, “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control”, then your words and actions will be timely.  

Prayer

Lord God, I want to always find joy in giving an apt reply. May I keep guarding what comes out of my mouth, recognising the power of my words, that they are life-giving, kind and timely.