Linda Dillow, in her book Satisfy My Thirsty Soul, discusses ways that we can worship. One of the ways that she describes is to worship God by bowing our words. Dillow states, “Like bad fruit, ‘rotten’ talk spreads rottenness. . . . Edifying words give grace, not judgment. They meet the need of the moment.” (p. 115) She urges readers to encourage their loved ones, explaining that “[v]erbal encouragement includes the idea of one person joining another on a journey and speaking words that inspire the traveler to keep pressing on, despite obstacles and fatigue.” (p. 118) Similarly, Drs. Larry Crabb and Dan Allender, in their book Encouragement, define “encouragement” as “the careful selection of words that are intended to influence another person meaningfully toward increased godliness.” (p. 20)
As I’ve tried to put those sentiments into practice in my speech lately, I’ve found that what I thought constituted encouragement–a compliment here, a nice word there–doesn’t necessarily influence a person toward increased godliness. More often than I’d like to admit, the words I direct towards others are to make me feel better about myself.
But I want my writing to be different. I want it to encourage others in their spiritual walks.
So how do we, as Christian writers, bow our words in our writing?
May 8, 2008 at 8:28 pm
I believe we need to be honest about critique and direction, but understand that God has inspired us all to be and write different things. A great verse I found the other day that really convicted me about bowing my words was this…Proverbs 26:20 “Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.” Sorry, it’s not really about writing, but too good not to pass on. 🙂
May 9, 2008 at 2:02 am
A good reminder about our words. I think we must write with humility and our eyes fixed on Jesus. We have to let our words come out of an overflow of a heart filled with Him.
May 15, 2008 at 6:58 am
I have gotten to experience your words and ALSO your actions! Your sweet gestures of care and friendship speak volumes and have no “ulterior motive”. Your kindness has inspired me to think of others before myself!