Unspoken words can make a difference | Faith

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Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. (Romans 8:26 ESV)

Have you ever heard of the adage, “Some things are better unsaid?” Did it leave you puzzled and confused? Did you find yourself in a tailspin of curiosity, wondering just what those unspoken words were?
Great lessons have been both taught and learned from unspoken words. Though it sounds contradictory, it is true. Will Rogers Jr. asserted, “His heritage to his children wasn’t words or possessions, but an unspoken treasure, the treasure of his example as a man and a father.” Therefore, unspoken words can make a difference, in one way or another!
If you already know that what you are about to say can harm someone, please do not utter it. If you know that what you are about to say will offend someone who simply will not want to hear and learn from it, teach him by example. It will speak much louder, and nine times out of ten, your point will probably be well taken. If you feel that what you are about to say to someone is all right, be sure that it will successfully pass through three gates: truth, necessity and kindness.
In other words, as referenced above in Romans 8:26 (ESV), let the Holy Spirit intercede before you speak. When you speak words that should remain unspoken, the outcome can have a damaging effect. However, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide you will yield the right result.
There is no need for me to expound on this topic any further because I have a story to share that will clarify it even more. One of my sorority sisters, Dr. Janice T. Lyle, shared this story on Facebook, and I was led by the Holy Spirit to share it in my message this week. Please read it with conviction and pass it on.
“A member of the church, who previously had been attending services regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, the pastor decided to visit him.
“It was a chilly evening. The pastor found the man at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for his pastor’s visit, the man welcomed him, and led him to a comfortable chair near the fireplace and waited.
“The pastor made himself at home but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the dance of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the pastor took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember, and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone; then he sat back in his chair, still silent.
“The host watched all this in quiet contemplation. As the one lone ember’s flame flickered and diminished, there was a momentary glow, and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and dead.
“Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. The pastor glanced at his watch and realized it was time to leave. He slowly stood up, picked up the cold, dead ember and placed it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately, it began to glow once more with the light and warmth of the burning coals around it.
“As the pastor reached the door to leave, his host said with a tear running down his cheek, ‘Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the ‘fiery’ sermon. I will be back in church next Sunday.’
“We live in a world today, which tries to say too much with too little. Consequently, few listen. Sometimes the best sermons are the ones left unspoken.”
What a sermon! Unspoken words can clearly make a difference in a very positive manner.
Have a wonderfully blessed week, be thankful in all circumstances, and never leave home without Him!