Give the Gift of Life-Giving Words

Friend, as we step into the joy-filled yet bustling holiday season, I’ve noticed something over the years. While the holidays hold potential for heartwarming, life-giving conversations, often, the opposite occurs. With jam-packed schedules and frayed nerves, patience wears thin, and words can become sharper than intended. Add to that the emotional weight of a particularly divisive election season, and it’s no wonder tensions can run high.

But here’s the good news: Scripture calls us to rise above the chaos. Colossians 4:6 encourages us, “Let your conversation be always full of grace.” What a beautiful invitation! However, if we’re honest, sometimes our words need a little extra refinement—like a pool needing a splash of chlorine!

Proverbs reminds us of the power of our words:

“Pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words… for they are life to those who find them and health to one’s whole body” (Proverbs 4:20-22).

“The tongue has the power of life and death” (Proverbs 18:21).

These verses challenge me. What about you? Could we honestly say, “My words bring life and health to others”? Or do our words sometimes stir up stress or division instead?

This year, let’s intentionally shift the tone. Let’s make it our mission to give the gift of life-giving words to those we love. Let’s lean into meaningful conversations that offer encouragement and hope. As you gather with family and friends, here are three questions to guide your conversations:

1. Are My Words Life-Giving?

Life-giving words build others up and breathe hope into weary hearts. They avoid the pitfalls of grumbling and complaining. Instead, they draw people out, make them feel seen, and celebrate their stories.

Before your next gathering, pray for the Holy Spirit to give you words that strengthen and encourage. Think of thoughtful questions to ask, like:

“What’s been a highlight for you this year?”

“What’s something you’re looking forward to?”

Avoid divisive topics and instead focus on unity. Be intentional about making someone shine by affirming their efforts, celebrating their achievements, or simply showing interest in their world.

2. Are My Words Filled With Gratitude and Grace?

Paul urges us to season our speech with grace (Colossians 4:6). This holiday season, practice expressing gratitude to the people in your life. Tell them what makes them a treasure to you. Highlight qualities you admire and affirm them.

If conversations drift into tense territory, choose grace over friction. You don’t have to agree, but you can still listen and respond with understanding. Become a vessel of grace, bringing peace instead of tension into your interactions.

3. Are My Words Marked by Wisdom?

Wisdom isn’t rushed; it grows as we spend time listening to God. Pause before speaking, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your words. Wisdom often means knowing when to speak—and when to remain silent.

King Solomon prayed for a discerning heart (1 Kings 3:9), and we can do the same. By lingering at the feet of Jesus and tuning our ears to His voice, we gain the wisdom to navigate even the trickiest conversations with grace and love.

Friend, may I encourage you? This holiday season, as you gather with friends and family, seek to give the gift of life-giving words. Listen well. Encourage and affirm. Ask God to use your words to breathe hope into others’ hearts. What a precious gift you’ll be to everyone around you!

Big News! The Never Alone Bracelets are back! You can now order them directly from my website. They make a beautiful reminder of God’s presence and a perfect gift for the women in your life.

Your Help Matters: Have you read Cultivating Deeper Connections in a Lonely World? If so, would you consider leaving a review on Amazon? Reviews make a huge difference in spreading the message. Here’s the link to leave a review!

This Week on The Connected Mom Podcast! We’re chatting with Lisa Stevens about ways to encourage teen moms. You don’t want to miss this episode!