Speaking words of appreciation
 

James 3: 1-12

"From the same mouth come blessing and curse." Keeping with our theme for this week of teaching and prayer, here we are all being called to speak the words of benediction, literally "good words." Of course, we can do that in public worship, but perhaps equally as impactful, is when we give the benediction of "good words" to those we meet.

Speaking words of appreciation to the grocery checker, the landscape worker, the police officer, the crossing guard, our child's teacher, or the teller at the bank, by the power of the Holy Spirit can change the trajectory of a person's life. We can speak informal benedictions to all people because we believe that God is working on every life. Our calling is to give voice to that grace: "God has blessed you," "I'll pray for you"; "God is good"; "Thank you for your kindness." Every time we speak a benediction, we're working with the Spirit to open a life up to the Word, Jesus Christ.

May our words be benedictions Lord, causing people to pause, give thanks, and consider again Your presence in their lives; through Christ our Lord. Amen.

David Mattson