SPEAKING GRACIOUS WORDS

by Cathy Weymouth

Tuesday 1/4/11 Gen 9-11; Luke 4 - SPEAKING GRACIOUS WORDS

S - Luke 4:22 NLT, Everyone spoke well of him and was amazed by the gracious words that came from his lips.  "How can this be?" they asked.  "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

O - Jesus's ministry was just beginning. He spoke in the synagogue in Nazareth, the town in which he had grown up. He declared that day that he was sent to fulfill the mission described in Isaiah 61 - to preach the good news, proclaim freedom, release the oppressed, etc.

A - I love the description, "the gracious words that came from his lips."  In the new year, I want to speak gracious words too.  The Greek word for gracious here is Charis - joy, favor, acceptance, a kindness granted; a favor done without expectation of return (Zodhiates). And where there is Grace, there is joy and thankfulness, as these are included in this Greek word.

P - Father, help us to speak words of grace this year to those we encounter.  May we bring joy and thankfulness to the atmosphere where we live and travel.  May others see whose son/daughter we are as we speak these words of Grace.