The Little Things

This message is a little different than Steven and I normally write, but I think it could carry much influence if even a few grasp it's importance.

Let me tell you a little story. I'm going to make it sound fake even though it's definitely real.

One day, there was a person who wasn't having the best of days. Everything seemed to go wrong during his day and he just couldn't seem to break free of this particular bad day. Right around dinner time, he met up with an old friend or two. Not noticing this person's down feelings, the old friend used seemingly funny, but rather abusive, words towards his friend. It only made his day worse.

What if the story went differently?

What if the old friend would have used encouraging words or given an optimistic vibe to the down friend? What if he would have given a small smile or a hug?

No matter if we realize it our not, our every actions affect one or more people. That catty comment, the rude remark, or all around "dragging" comments we give to our friends and portray through our actions towards one another do nothing but tear the body of Christ down. That is exactly the opposite of what we should be doing.

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

"Whoever speaks should speak as if he is speaking the very words of God." 1 Peter 4:11

What we say, if anything, deeply affects those around us. If we're going to speak, lets speak godly words of encouragement filled with compassion and understanding. If we're not able to do that, we should be a very quiet people. If we can't speak only godly words like the Bible instructs us to do, lets just offer that steadying hug or smile. It's the little things that count.