Have Honeycomb Moments Today
Gracious words are a honeycomb,
sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Proverbs 16:24
Gracious words. They seem to be a scarce commodity these days. We feel the need to vehemently disagree with everyone about everything. I know the world has problems. God even says, “In the world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33, ESV). I surmise though we have more in common than we may think.
Hear me out. Right now people are talking about Justice appointments, masks, human rights issues, health issues, the list continues. What everyone really wants is for people to be safe, to be happy, and to be loved. As Christians, we also want them to know our Savior Jesus Christ.
Oh, I know all our problems are still there. There’s as many opinions about how to achieve these goals as there are colors in the visible spectrum, but let’s focus on the primary way we can achieve them:
LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
If you disagree with your friend on, well, any of these issues, try empathizing with them. If you’re in complete disagreement and there isn’t a way forward without being angry, everybody take a step back. I know some of these are truly life and death, but we can pray for our fellow human.
If you think you’re the only one doing the right thing, keep doing it. If you think others not doing the right thing is messing up everything, pray for them. If you think sharing that controversial meme publically on your social media will make a few folks laugh, maybe share it in a message to them? If your friend’s posts are making you angry, try hiding their posts for a month and pray for your fellow human.
Take a break and use gracious words. I’ve even been talking to friends or posted a comment with less than gracious thoughts in my head. I know now is a time to not be silent on issues you care about, but maybe think about how your friend would take it. Make your post informative instead of inflammatory. Use gracious speech. Don’t share an image of a political or public figure with your post even if you’re mad at them. Maybe just sharing facts will make others more likely to read what it says.
I know this is a tall order with how pretty much any news outlet has a political bent these days. I’m not saying this is an easy way of thinking about using your social media, but it’s a thought.
Try using gracious words. I know I’m feeling convicted and will try doing better when I see a post I disagree with. Let’s spread love, prayers, support, kindness. A dear friend had a tragedy happen recently and I saw so many people, both friends and people who didn’t even know her, send wishes of comfort, letting her know she is in their prayers, and financial gifts during this time. I know many of these people disagree on some of the subjects I listed earlier in this post, but they didn’t let that stop them from doing what God mandates we do: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Especially as Christians we need to band together and LOVE everyone. Jesus didn’t just love His followers. He loved everyone. He dined with undesirables. He was even polite with the Pharisees (mostly, but that’s a digression for another time). Spread some honeycomb in your day. Smile even if it can’t be seen. Tell a coworker they’re looking great. Pray for that person who is driving you nuts. Let’s follow our Savior’s example and show love and gracious words because we all really just want everyone to feel safe, happy, and loved. Especially in 2020.
I will leave you with this verse to meditate on today:
“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:35