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The power of a kind word!
(Here are five ways a kind word is compelling)
Do you remember the first time you experienced power? Maybe it was when you were a child, and you stuck your finger in an electrical outlet! BAM - you felt the shock of electricity! Or think about the use of a chain saw cutting oak trees or pine trees. The blades power was almost like butter! Or maybe it was when your mom or dad expressed an act of kindness to you or said a kind word to you - that you never forgot. Their words meant the world to you.
I believe expressing a kind word to others is one of the most powerful things you can do. Here are five ways a kind word, when used sincerely, is powerful.
The power of a kind word can change a course of action!
Misunderstandings, miscommunication, misinterpretation of the facts can cause conflict. When not appropriately handled, emotions flare, tempers rise, and a disagreement or argument ensues. But if one party involved expresses a kind word during the conflict, it could alter the entire course of the conversation. Statements like, “I understand we are on opposite sides at the moment, but I respect your opinion and want to understand” can bring harmony instead of explosive anger. Disarming harmful emotions by giving a word of kindness, can help turn the tide of disagreement.
Henry David Thoreau said, “The only way, to tell the truth, is to speak with kindness. Only the words of a loving man can be heard.” (https://wisdomquotes.com/kindness-quotes/)
The apostle Paul wrote to the church in Ephesus, “32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)” Ephesians 4:32
The meaning of the word “kind” in this verse is “gentle, benign, kind, obliging, gracious.” It comes from the Greek New Testament word “chrestos.” (Mounce Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament)
So when I am gracious in my speech, kind and gentle, the words I use can change the whole direction of the conflict.
James compared the tongue to a “rudder” on a ship that can steer and change the whole direction in which the ship is sailing. (See James 3:4)
The power of a kind word can soften an angry response.
Proverbs 25:15 states, “15 With patience, you can make anyone change their thinking, even a ruler. Gentle speech is very powerful.” (ERV)
Just think of the possibilities that can happen when one uses a kind (gentle) word in response to anger!
Like the writer in Proverbs, their thinking -even if it is a king - can change! Kind words can absolve anger. The Apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:31 tells the Ephesians to get rid of or put away all “bitterness, wrath and anger…” How does he suggest doing this? By “being kind to one another.”
When two individuals argue with each other, one’s natural defense is to attack. The first words spoken are hateful and hurtful. What would happen if, instead, words of kindness and clarification were spoken? The soft, gentle, and kind words used will soften the angry response.
I remember a time growing up when I was agitated. I had disobeyed and broke school rules and because of that offense; they took away privileges from me and my friends. This was an outrage, so when my mother came to me and confronted me (she worked at the private school I attended) I spoke to her angrily and hateful. I’ll never forget her reaction. She did not say anything to me! Nothing, not a word. Lovingly, she turned, and walked away. Her reaction hit me like a race car traveling 200 miles an hour! I realized I had hurt her, disobeyed her and the school. I was punished justly, but I had disappointed my mother. Her gentle response caused me to be silent, and then I sought her forgiveness and went to the owner of the school, and asked her forgiveness as well. My mother’s response turned my anger toward reconciliation.
The power of a kind word can rescue one from depression.
Proverbs 15:13 states, “·Happiness makes a person smile [L A joyful heart brightens one’s face],but· sadness [L a troubled heart] can break a person’s spirit. (EXB)”
Sometimes people who are sad or depressed need to be left alone, while other times, they are inwardly crying out for attention.
People need to love and be loved. A kind word expressed from one’s heart, at the right moment, can rescue one from being sad or depressed. A person who falls down a water-well needs a rope to climb out. This rope symbolizes the kind words we say. A kindly spoken word is their rescue line.
The power of a kind word can rekindle compassion for others.
Remember meeting that happy, cheerful, joyful person the other day? Sure you do? They had a contagious smile and attitude that seemed to wash over you like a flood! You felt respected, appreciated, valued, and alive. You wanted to be kind to the next person you met and show that same happy, cheerful, joyful demeanor!
A kind word aptly spoken can rekindle compassion and love toward others. It becomes contagious. It’s like demonstrating the “golden rule.” Eugene Peterson states it this way, “Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.” (Matthew 7:12, The Message)
A simple prayer asking the Lord to help you speak a word of kindness, even when you don’t feel like it, can give you the faith to do so.
The power of a kind word can bring healing and forgiveness.
In Acts 3, Peter and John are going to the Temple to pray. On their way, a beggar asks them for money, but Peter responds most unusually and kindly. He says, “I have no money at all, but I give you what I have: in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I order you to get up and walk!” 7 Then he took him by his right hand and helped him up. At once, the man’s feet and ankles became strong; 8 he jumped up, stood on his feet, and started walking around. Then he went into the Temple with them, walking and jumping and praising God.” (Acts 3:6-8, GNT)
What took place? The leading of the Holy Spirit in Peter, expressed in words that were kind and loving, brought this lame beggar to his feet. He experienced healing and forgiveness!
A kind word expressed from our lips to someone can meet their need. It can move them toward being forgiving, restored, and bring healing.
A kind word is a genuinely remarkable power available for all of us to use. Proverbs 16:24 says, “24 Kind words are like honey—sweet to the taste and good for your health.”
May we expand our vocabulary and speak kind words to all those we meet!
How have you used kind words in your conversations? I would love to hear. Please send me an email or post a comment below.
Growing Together,
Teddy
2 Timothy 1:7