Faithful Messenger

A wicked messenger falls into trouble,But a faithful ambassador brings health.

Proverbs 13:17 (NKJV)

Here we have a formula regarding two kinds of messengers. Of course the one that is rebuked in this proverb is the wicked one. So who is that? Who is a wicked messenger? First of all, a messenger is one who passes along a message about someone or something. And a wicked person is someone guilty of sin against God or man.

So the wicked messenger is someone who knowingly distorts information. I will apply this to us women in the body of Christ. As Christians, we’re all held accountable. So I know I have shared this before, but here are five guidelines that can dramatically help us keep our words in check and our message Christ honoring. When we pass along information, especially about others, we need to ask ourselves

• Is it true? Are we sure?
• Is it fair? Are we fairly representing someone? Or are we slanting the facts a little to make them look bad, or ourselves good?
• Is it kind? Would you want someone to say this about you?
• Is it necessary? Really? Is it necessary that I say this? Some things are better left unsaid.
• Here is a big, very insightful, must-ask-yourself question: Do you have any ulterior motive for saying this about someone else?

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

The second part of our proverb today lands on a positive note: “But a faithful ambassador brings health.” Let’s commit to using our words today to build up and encourage.

Let’s Pray

Lord, help me be an ambassador for you. Help me to cheer someone up. Help me to shine your light. Is there someone going through a hard time that you can give a helpful, hopeful promise from your Word? Show me how to build up my children in their faith. Give me insight. Show me if they are struggling. Help me be a messenger of your gospel today, telling someone you love them.

One Year Bible Reading

Joshua 22:21–23:16; Luke 20:27-47; Psalm 89:14-37; Proverbs 13:17-19