A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)
The Right Words and Faith
Comforting words are great to hear, but hard to say. Even though seeing that someone is hurting, or lonely, or afraid is not that hard, we do not usually feel like we have the right words. Perhaps we are afraid of making things worse. Maybe we realize that we do not fully understand what is wrong. Often we just do not know what to say.
So instead of giving golden apples set in silver, we say nothing.
Maybe we need a little more faith.
Remembering how other’s words have helped us can give us a nudge. Remembering that joy is in the ears that hear, more than the mouths that speak can encourage our efforts. Remembering that our words themselves are not the elixir that fixes broken hearts, but rather the translations the Holy Spirit makes of our utterances that is the real help.
Of course, if we are only offering OUR words, ineffectiveness is not unexpected. Words that come merely from our experience, our knowledge, our understanding easily fall short. But God’s words, found in God’s Word, are a wonderful balm. (Psalm 107:20)
Do not be afraid to speak comforting words. Do not be afraid to offer Scriptural counsel. Do not be afraid to help, even if only with words.
Take the faith God grants us.