‘There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.’ Proverbs 12:18 (ESV)
The ministry of the Ruach is to affirm us and to encourage us. The Ruach Hakodesh doesn’t remind you of what you are not – Satan tries to do that, and sadly people believe him. Instead, Yehovah tells you who and what you are. Make sure that you believe the truth that Yehovah speaks about you, not the lies that Satan tries to mislead you with. In the same way that you choose to speak life, hope, refreshing and healing into the lives of those around you, so also you can choose to believe these words for yourself. Words can be very destructive, but words can also be very healing. This is highlighted in some of the proverbs in the Bible: ‘the tongue of the wise brings healing’ (12:18, NIV), ‘a soft answer turns away wrath’ (15:1), and ‘a wholesome tongue is a tree of life’ (15:4). Sometimes, you meet people whose hearts seem dead in the water and heavy with care, but your carefully chosen, sensitive words, can give life and hope. Whenever you encounter those whose spirits are crushed and wounded, your gentle and loving words can bring healing. If you see someone whose personal and inner world has become dry and exhausted, your Ruach-inspired words can refresh and renew them. The apostle Paul had some great friends who ‘refreshed’ his spirit. You often hear missionaries describing the joy of receiving letters from home, and how it would bring life to their souls. The Bible says, ‘like a cool drink of water when you’re worn out and weary is a letter from a long-lost friend’ (Proverbs 25:25, MSG). Where can you share Yehovah’s healing, refreshing and life-giving words today?