Words: Sunday Reflection

My maternal Grandma Sadie was a kind woman. She believed in God and Jesus as the Son of God, living her Christian life showing love to others. I remember many things about my grandma. She loved cooking for her family members, had a wonderful giggle, but most important to me was that Grandma told me all the time how much she loved me.

One thing that stands out in my memories of my grandma was her love and respect for my dad and his family.
She often spoke highly of them, telling me why she loved her son-in-law and his family. They weren’t perfect people, no one is, but she chose to keep her negative feelings (if she had any) to herself about the other side of my family. Instead, she spoke positive words about them that in turn built me up.

An important message that I received from my Grandma Sadie was how important words are when we speak them. It didn’t cost her anything to speak nicely about my dad and his folks. Keeping our own words positive about others, even when we don’t feel like it, means everything to a child who might love the person we’re talking about. Keeping our words in check also sets a good example. Children remember words and those who speak them.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Eph. 4:29-32 NIV

Blessings!

Teresa