Last Christmas morning I watched on TV the Royal Christmas Carol Service held in 2022. It was hosted by Her Royal Highness Catherine Middleton, Princess of Wales in Westminster Abbey. I was impressed by the message given by the Dean of Westminster, The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle MBE. The challenge he gave to the congregation and the world was to “Find the Words” for us to say when we are faced with the need to offer compassion or encouragement to someone in need.
Have you ever found yourself in situations when you have been lost for words? There have been times when I have visited a family who has lost a loved one or someone who was in hospital suffering from a debilitating illness, and I was lost for the right words to say to them. It can be quite a dilemma to find yourself in such a situation and yet you know it is so important for you to give the appropriate comfort and support that is needed at the time.
We may have also found ourselves in very confronting circumstances when there has been an argument or differing opinions being expressed. How important it is for us to find the right words to try and calm the situation and bring a feeling of peace.
I believe that the most important thing we need to remember when we find ourselves in these situations and trying to find the right words to say, is to remember the encouraging words Isaiah wrote assuring Israel of God’s help: “Do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand” (Isaiah 41: 10). If we can think on these words and acknowledge that God IS with us, I am sure we will receive the confidence to bring the right ministry to the person we are visiting, whether in person or on the telephone
A further phrase that I have found helpful is the often-repeated phrase in the Book of Jeremiah: “The word of the Lord came.” The New Testament puts it this way in 2 Timothy 3: 16, 17: “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
In the pages of Scripture, we often encounter verses that underscore the value of words: “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (Proverbs 16:24 NIV). Our voice can certainly become a powerful encouragement to those in need, no matter how large or small their predicament may be.
Ellen G. White wrote in her book Testimonies on Sabbath-School Work: “What we do or say may seem to us of little moment, when, could our eyes be opened, we should see that upon it depended the most important results for good or evil.”
Might I add one caution. Sometimes during a conversation the person maybe pouring out their concerns and feelings and we are not really listening. Too often as we listen to someone we forget to really listen because we are thinking about what our response might be. It is so important for us to take the time to listen to what is being said before we find the right words to say.
Words can have power and influence both for bad and good. Down through history we have seen powerful words proffered by dominant leaders and dictators that have influenced the lives of people for both bad and good purposes. Throughout his ministry Jesus spoke words of wisdom, comfort, and healing. In fact, in John 1, Jesus is first described as “The Word who became flesh”. And he now encourages us in John 15:20 to: “Remember the word that I said to you.” We can gain valuable help in our association with people if we learn and understand the different types of ministry Jesus offered people.
Jesus was a master at finding the right words to say when faced with opposition or a difficult situation. I recall the prostitute who was about to be stoned and Jesus said, “Let him who has not sinned cast the first stone.” When the scribes and chief priests were trying to trap Jesus and they asked him if it was lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, Jesus answered with the words, “give to the emperor the things that are the emperors, and to God the things that are God’s”. And there are more instances I could quote of Jesus finding the right words to say.
How did Jesus successfully communicate to people under difficult situations? I believe one of the reasons was that Jesus was connected to his Heavenly Father and was receiving divine inspiration to assist him in his ministry. This is a challenge to take into our hearts as we strive to be servants of our Master.
So, let our speech be a beacon of hope, grace and love and allow the Holy Spirit to use you to speak words of encouragement to those in need.
Bill Gillard