Much of our serving others requires effort, labor and time. Helping a family move or babysitting or cooking a meal for someone involves work.
But God gives us an almost effortless way to bless others.
A little thought might be required, maybe, but you’re not going to break into a sweat or pull a muscle doing this. (If you do, you’re really out of shape.) This way of blessing others is so easy, we shouldn’t be rewarded for it, but our lavish God does.
Here it is:
The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life (Proverbs 10.11)
With our mouths we can give life to others. We can encourage, thank, appreciate, build up, edify, and point others to Christ with our mouths. We can stir up, give hope, lift up the downcast and love. We can teach, bless and sing God’s glorious truths. We can strengthen the weary, or point out where God is working in their lives. We can pray for others, express our compassion and warn against temptation. We can welcome newcomers to church. We can counsel, read Scriptures to each other and share our testimonies. We can extend forgiveness, teach our children, and tell the good news of Jesus.
Not only can our mouths impart life to others; we can benefit ourselves with our mouths. When we thank and praise God or rehearse his promises to ourselves, we build our faith and increase our joy.
O Lord Jesus,
Thank you for the gift of speech
Please use me this week
To give life to others
To encourage the weary
To lift up the faint-hearted
To point people to their Savior
To build up your saints
To give your people grace and hope
Please fill me with your Spirit
And give me boldness and opportunities
To share the gospel.
Thank you, Lord.
