The Words of our Mouths

As a child, I struggled with reading and spelling—until I met an understanding teacher, Mrs G. Just before a spelling test one day, she pulled me aside. ‘I wonder if you would be more comfort­able spelling your words out loud while you help me decorate this notice board.’

A few minutes later she said, ‘You’ve answered them all correctly, even the ones you weren’t supposed to know!’ Always a poor student, I was amazed. Had I really done that well?

Mrs G’s compassion and sensitivity encouraged me and showed me I could succeed. In many ways she told me that she believed in me when I couldn’t believe in myself. No wonder the Bible reminds us that our words have the power to bless as well as curse! My life was truly blessed by my teacher’s loving words.

With God’s help each of us can live out Psalm 19:14: ‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.’

Prayer: Help us, O God, to speak words of kindness and compassion. Make us sensitive to those who need to hear your love from our lips. In Jesus’ name. Amen