I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” We all know that isn’t true. Words are incredibly powerful. They can build up and they can tear down; they can pour gasoline on a fire or they can put it out completely.

In this passage, the letter from the Jerusalem church brought joy and encouragement. Think of a time that someone’s words have encouraged you. What was it that was so encouraging—what they said, when they said it, or how they said it? Seek to bring words of joy and encouragement to someone else today.

Who can you build up and encourage with your words?