The Power of Purposeful Words – Part 2

We’re talking about words again, especially those that impact your marriage.  I spoke about giving your husband the silent treatment here and about using a soft answer here.  Today I want to talk about gracious or pleasant words.  Proverbs 16:24 states,

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. 

Just as a soft answer can keep a situation from escalating into conflict, gracious and pleasant words can bring a sweet and healthy atmosphere to our homes! This word, translated here as “gracious,” has at its root the Hebrew word that literally means to be “lovely, pleasant, delightful, friendly.”

How would you describe the mood you set in the home by your words? Is it gracious? Pleasant? Friendly?

Our home, with those whom we are closest to, where we can let our guard down and “be ourselves,” can be the hardest place to keep a friendly atmosphere.  Unlike the pleasantness we display to our friends, our attitudes at home can often reflect our exhaustion or frustration.

But not only do we help encourage others when we speak with kindness, we also help ourselves (Proverbs 11:17)!

As we go through this week, let’s practice speaking with gracious words – yes, with all of our friends and those we come in contact with, but especially to our husbands and children! Let’s set an atmosphere of kindness in our homes!

Some practical tips:

• Start your day praying for God to give you specific opportunities to display kindness
• Remember that you are not alone or needing to do this on your own – kindness is a fruit of the Spirit!
• Look for ways to encourage and compliment your husband and children
• As you speak, ask yourself if your words and your tone indicate kindness
• Share the challenge with your children and encourage them to also speak gracious words (encourage and reward positive expressions of kindness)

What suggestions would you add for building a pleasant atmosphere in the home?