Today, Lord, let my words about others be positive, helpful, and encouraging.

To be candid without ostentation or design—to take the good of every body’s character and make it still better, and say nothing of the bad—belongs to you alone.  

~~Jane Austen  

This morning’s prayer and meditation for Sally’s healing comes from Take Heart, Oh God: Riches from the Greatest Christian Women Writers of All Time.

What fills our conversation about others? Are we full of praise about others’ goodness? Or are we eager to gossip about their faults?

The words of Jane Austen remind us that, while we have our opinions, we would do well to choose to speak of the good in people’s character and say nothing of the ad. When talking to friends, co-workers, neighbors, or church members, the choice belongs to us alone to see the strengths in others and remain silent about their weaknesses. Usually a person’s weakness is glaring anyway and our help is not needed in bringing attention to it. Would we want other people talking about our glaring weaknesses—the weaknesses of which we are painfully aware?

Christ knows our every shortcoming and, thankfully, he wants us, welcomes us, and loves us. Let your words about others be uplifting and kind, reflecting Jesus’ love for you.

Prayer for Meditation

Today, Lord, let my words about others be positive, helpful, and encouraging.

Scripture for Meditation

A troublemaker plants seeds of strife; gossip separates the best of friends.

Proverbs 16:28 

Music for Meditation 

Loving God, Loving Each Other

 

If you feel led to do so, please post a note of encouragement in the comment section below, or send your note by email to PrayersForSally@gmail.com