When do words matter most?
Just as I was finishing working through the book Truthfilled: The Practice of Preaching to Yourself Through Every Season by Ruth Chou Simons, a friend gave me a copy of the book When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love by Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser. These two books go hand in hand.
Colossians 3:16 says “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” We must first let the Word of Truth dwell in us. We must preach truth to ourselves. This is where Truthfilled is helpful. It’s not a self help book but a beautifully illustrated and practical reminder that in the trials of life, the truth of God is unchanging and life changing. This book is a 7 session study that you can do on your own or with a group. The art alone is worth a view!
When Words Matter Most takes this concept to the next level. Once we have internalized this truth, we can then share it with others, strengthening and encouraging them as we have been encouraged. I was only about 4 pages into this book when I purchased several copies to give to friends for Christmas. It was not so much that the concept was new to me but the loving way these ladies tell their stories and model well what it looks like to speak truth to those in your sphere of influence resonated with me. Sometimes it is hard to explain how to do this well and that’s where this book is helpful. When we feel unsure of what to say to a friend when words matter most, we can share the unshakable truth of God. It is when words matter most.
This book has 11 chapters with helpful and thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. It would be a helpful resource for mentoring or doing as a small group book study. You will find much encouragement just reading the book. Hopefully your heart will overflow with words of truth and grace to share with others! I highly recommend When Words Matter Most because not only will words hurt us but words will also heal us. Add it to your books to read this year. It’s one you will want to keep on your library shelf and reread.
Want more ideas for how to use your words well? Read this post.
https://www.tailorjoy.com/sprinkle-joy-like-confetti/
Table Talk: When was a time words hurt or healed you? Who can you speak a word of encouragement to this week? How does God’s truth transform lives?