“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, 
sweetness to the soul
and health to the body.”
Proverbs 16:24

Notes for Contemplation as You Use this Devotional:

• God’s grace is always compassionate and generous, a gift we each receive as one of God’s beloved children.
• Consider that when we are gracious, we honor others by being compassionate, courteous, and kind.
• To be gracious to others, we must first be gracious with ourselves.
• We can speak truth to power, as needed, being both firm in our stance and gracious with our words.

Contemplation Questions:

• Think of a time when you believed, for whatever reason, that you could not speak your truth?
  • Note the situation.
  • Note the feelings that accompanied it.
  • What was the outcome?

• Think of a time when you intentionally or inadvertently stifled someone else’s voice?
  • Note the situation.
  • Note the feelings that accompanied it.
  • What was the outcome?

• Think of a time when someone was gracious to you, using their voice to protect and/or support you.
  • Note the situation.
  • Note the feelings that accompanied it.
  • What was the outcome?

• Think of a time when someone empowered you to know your own truth and encouraged you to use your own voice to express it.
  • Note the situation.
  • Note the feelings that accompanied it.
  • What was the outcome?

• What are at least three (3) ways you can encourage others to lift their own voices to speak their truth?

Take as much time as you need with this devotional to reflect on your own situation and consider your feelings.  During this process, rather than condemn yourself for any errors you made, be gracious with yourself.  Let any mistakes be the wisdom that helps you grow, speak more graciously, and encourage someone else as they lift their voice.

If you would like to listen to Rev. Jenn’s message related to this Devotional, click here

© 2021 – Rev. Jennifer L. Sacks – All rights reserved.