Girls aren’t always nice

Kind words are like honey— sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. Proverbs 16:24

A couple of weeks ago, I got the opportunity to sit in a room with 9 girls from 6 different high schools to talk about God, esteem and friendships. As each shared their struggles at developing strong friendships with other girls, I looked around the circle and made a casual observation.

“Girls aren’t always nice to other girls, are they?” The question was met with a burst of head nodding. I sighed because the underlying problems and solutions are so simple, but regardless of age, our gender doesn’t seem to let them soak in very long when it comes to interacting with each other. This verse in Proverbs doesn’t chastise us for our bad behavior, but it does show us the incredible benefits that kindness has to offer.

I love that Proverbs compares kind words to honey. I have a terrible sweet tooth, so I can completely relate to the delectable joy that comes from kind words. Because of my sweet tooth, I also try to run to balance out the effects on my body. Being in good health also brings joy. In a world where consuming as much chocolate as I want while still effortlessly remaining in good health are not a reality, I find it exciting that kind words bring the joy found in both. And much like cake at a birthday party or running at the crack of dawn, kind words are better when shared with others.

Encouraged people encourage other people. It’s a simple concept, but it has the power to be life-changing. When I remember that God is crazy about me or when a sweet friend builds me up in the Lord, I’m filled with confidence and joy. As a result, all of a sudden I find myself wanting to share that with others. Whether it’s a random compliment toward another woman in the grocery store checkout or a note of appreciation for my husband or a quick text to a friend I haven’t connected with in a while, I love spreading kind words around so that they can impact others who may also be inspired to pay the encouragement forward.

Embrace the gift of encouragement this week. As you read through Proverbs, look for ways that God is using the wisdom in the book to encourage you, and commit yourself to sprinkling kind words into your coversations throughout the day so that you can encourage others. Not only is it effective, it’s also really fun!

~ Whitney Sewell

Prayer:

God, thank you for the ways you build me up! Thank you for the gift of your Word where I can learn how much you love me. Thank you for the people you’ve placed in my life who also edify me and help me to draw near to You. This week, help me to identify where I can offer kind words and encouragement to others in my life. Show me the joy of sharing your love with others. I love you. Amen.

Other Scriptures to study:

• 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11
• Hebrews 10:24-25
• Romans 15:13
• Ephesians 4:29-32