“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Eph 4:29
“I tell you, on the day of judgement people will give account for every careless word they speak” Matt 12:36
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Pro 18:21
Our words have consequences. Can you think of anything more powerful than someone speaking a blessing over you or words of encouragement? To hear a word of blessing from your parents, pastor, friends, co-workers or your boss? There is LIFE in an encouraging word and it has the power to change a heart and the atmosphere. Our hearts swell with appreciation, gratitude, and hope as our inner man become like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11 A word of blessing can encourage us for days, weeks or even months.
As flight crew our work space consists of small or large groups of people from all backgrounds. They’re traveling for different reasons with hundreds of emotions. As followers of Jesus Christ it’s our privilege to invite each passenger into our work space with word of recognition, encouragement, or a smile. Just this simple act has the power to change the atmosphere on our aircraft. Have you worked with someone who is agitated, complains, or gossips when passengers are boarding? I know it grieves God’s heart and pollutes the atmosphere because our words have consequences.
Here’s a question, is it easy to bless and encourage others when things are going your way?
What about when your spouse isn’t treating you right, co-workers are spiteful, friends have wounded or violated your boundaries. Do you still bless? Should you still bless? Do you get to call fire from heaven to consume them? Hmmm, there’s a thought.
Let’s see what Jesus says in Matt 5:43-48
You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The words of Jesus are true and difficult. Knowing that we’re to love our enemies and actually demonstrating love are two different things. I only share this with you because this is what God is encouraging me to do. It’s a deeper discipline that He wants me to walk in. As I’m walking this out with fear and trembling I invite and encourage you to examine your heart before the LORD and ask Him to help you make the choice to Love your neighbor regardless of how you’re treated. Remember, Love doesn’t mean to allow abuse, it means to set well established boundaries, speak from a heart of compassion that’s filled with grace and truth.
Two things, one, don’t allow negativity and gossip from co-workers seep into your thoughts. Be proactive and guard your thoughts by having a heart of blessing by filling your heart with the Word. When passengers challenge or mistreat you quickly lean into the LORD, trust Him to teach you a new way, and not lean in your own understanding, like Proverbs 3:5-7 tells us, Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. Secondly, you’re not alone! We have a Father who loves us and wants to see us succeed and be transformed into the image of His Son by the power of the Holy Spirit.
