Speaking positively
“You will be a crown of splendor in the LORD’s hand.” (Isaiah 62:3a)
There is no denying it that bullying is a major issue in our country – in schools, online, in the workplace, on playgrounds, in the mall and sadly in others places. While bullying occurs among the younger generation, it also affects adults.
Our Bible verse for this week promotes the exact opposite of bullying – speaking good and positive about a person. What is interesting to note is what leads to people being called “a crown of splendor” and that is the coming of the Savior. That contrast really says it all – when the Savior is there, it leads to peace, joy and love. When Jesus is not there, hate, anger and hostility are certain to be shown in this sinful world.
So what can you do to help share the positive message of the Savior’s love? Do you take the opportunity to speak well of others and highlight the best in them? Do you share with others the peace, joy and love which you have in Jesus as your Savior? Whether it is bullying or some other negativity, do you speak up and work to turn the conversation positive and build others up?
You have probably heard it before, but saying nothing is not an option. If we don’t fill the void with the love and hope of our Savior, the devil will leap right in and bring his hate and negativity.
It is no secret to any of us that the world we live in has no room or respect for God and his Word. That should not stop us from sharing the Gospel which is the power God uses to blast through the hate and anger which we see being promoted and sadly even praised all around us. Think of our how Savior loved us even when we and everyone else were engaged in loveless acts and shameful words!
While our ministry is all about caring for and encouraging with the Gospel those who are so often ignored or unloved, our Bible verse for this week calls us to be just as bold and willing to speak words of love from our Savior and build up and support those who get torn down or made fun of. That is what the Gospel is all about.
This is another aspect of what Jesus meant when he said “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”(Matthew 25:40). May God give you the strength to share his message of love and build others up with the hope and peace which he alone can give!