I
recently wrote a blog post about things we should never say, and so today I
bring you my list of what we ought to say at every opportunity. Each day we encounter people who are probably
hurting inside. No one knows what is
truly going on in someone else’s heart, but if your heart is anything like mine
you are most likely burdened with all sorts of problems, stresses, and
situations capable of producing a level of anxiety. What a difference when someone speaks kind
and gracious words to us in those moments we are down. The right words, spoken at a time when we are
discouraged, are like a healing balm to a troubled soul.
Speaking
words that help and encourage those around us is an intentional practice. We
must be disciplined in our approach to how we relate to people. In light of the negative words we often hear,
the following is my list of what we ought to say at every opportunity.
1. Thank you. These simple words carry great weight and go
a long way toward expressing gratitude.
The words are applicable in countless situations ranging from being
given a gift, assisted with a task, or told something helpful.
2. You’re welcome. No doubt you have said, “Thank you,” to
someone and the reply was, “No problem,” “Don’t mention it,” or “Don’t worry
about it.” These phrases carry the
implication of gratitude, yet leave us feeling short changed. It’s as if your expression of gratitude was
unnecessary. I know people rarely mean
anything negative by such responses, yet an opportunity was missed. Try sticking with the classic, “You’re
welcome,” and see the difference it makes.
3. I appreciate you very much. Here we distinguish between what someone did
and the actual person. Were it not for
the person, what he or she did for us would never have happened. The emphasis is on the individual rather than
on what he or she did for us. These
words have the power to lift up people who are questioning their self-worth.
4. It’s going to be all right. When going through a
trying and difficult time, it often helps to be reminded that the problem, no
matter how great, will one day be behind us.
This is always preferable to the negative and discouraging words we hear
each day.
5. I hope all this works out for you. Whenever a friend or
loved one announces a plan that doesn’t make sense to us, such as I’m getting
married, I’m moving to Nepal, or I’m changing careers, we do well to avoid a
knee jerk reaction. When someone drops a
bombshell on us our first instinct is to jump up and say, “You’re going to do
what?” Sound advice, given at the proper
time, is beneficial, but in the meantime a kind word of hope is always
appreciated. Letting someone know you
hope everything works out well in the long run is usually well received.
6. I’m praying for you. Having said this, be sure
to then follow through with your promise to lift the person up to God in
prayer.
7. Please let me know if there is
anything I can do. Never
speak these words unless you are committed to being available when the person
needs you. You may have to take the
person by the hand and follow this declaration up with, “I mean it; call me
anytime if you need me.” In time, someone
may offer his or her help to you and you may be the one reaching out in time of
need. Such care and kindness may mean
life or death to someone.
I
trust this is helpful. Perhaps you are going
through a hard time and need someone to pray for you. I welcome an opportunity to do that. As always, you may post a comment
anonymously.
God
bless you – it’s going to be a great day.
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