Almighty God, help me to speak words today that will bring joy to others and minister rightly to their heart. I want to bring encouragement to those that need it. Give me Your eyes to see what You see and your words to encourage as You would. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Speech that Brings Joy! To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is. —Proverbs 15:23 Every morning I spend a good portion of my time answering email and phone messages that have popped up over the previous couple of days in life and ministry. On some days, this process is fairly short and then I’m off to the rest of the things scheduled for the day. However, on a select few days, this process can take hours and requires much thought and deliberation in choosing the right words and tone for my response. It is in those times I am tempted to put off my response and allow silence to disconnect me from the person or the issue at hand. I’m mindful that this temptation to put off conversation doesn’t just happen behind the impersonal computer screen, or in the recorded message of a phone. Sometimes, the quality of our ongoing relationships with other members of God’s family requires us to speak a word of truth or encouragement or exhortation at just the right moment. Proverbs 15:23 assures us that “an apt answer is a joy to man . . .” We can bring joy to another person when we speak the right word of truth or encouragement into their life when we see the need and opportunity. When there is a question or a point of confusion, a biblical answer is needed and expected. Be careful not to miss opportunities for unity and joy because of the lack of boldness to say the right word at the right time. When we complete God-honoring dialogue with someone by answering questions biblically and offering a “word in season,” we are helping to bring joy and encouragement at just the right time. In contrast, to withhold a needed answer or word of encouragement, or to offer human wisdom and experience is at best a missed opportunity, and at worst a drain of joy in the relationship. Bring joy to those around you in your home – Speak encouragement and give biblical feedback and instruction to those in your family today. · Bring joy to those around you in your church – Help others by giving a word of biblical direction and encouragement to someone in your faith family today. · Bring joy to your Lord – Speak words of worship and gratitude to the Lord today. I challenge you to “bring joy” as suggested for one week and see what happens to the tone of the relationships in your life. What word of truth or encouragement do you need to say today?—Brian White Journal: · How would I evaluate the tone of my speech? · Would others consider me encouraging? Who can I ask about that?