The Life-Giving Power of Conversation

But encourage one another daily, while it is called today.

Hebrews 3:13

Fresh from the summer holidays, I was back at work and the conversations were the same that many teachers and other school staff have at the start of the school year. I was delighted to be back and I was completely engaged in the activities that preceded the official reopening of school; however, during the first week, I had a number of conversations that caused me to really think about this kind of human interaction. 

This week, I want to share my musings with you about the life-giving power of conversation.

The Life-Giving Power of Conversation

People talk. We talk about a lot of things everyday. Sometimes our conversations leave an indelible mark on our psychological person and so we have to understand the purpose, power and pitfalls of conversations.

Iron sharpens iron.

It was the end of the school day and while I waited on the most convenient time to leave before my next appointment, I quietly sat at my desk counting the minutes until a coworker and I had a rather stimulating conversation. I can't recall how it started but I remember how I felt after our talk. I can recall that it was not a superficial exchange but more of a meeting of the minds. I certainly found out that we have a number of shared interests and we were able to match wits about the fundamentals of our profession; but much more than that is what actually caused some aspects of our conversation to linger for a couple of days in my musing mind. So potent were the points raised that  some personal truths that were languishing in obscurity in the recesses of my mind were finally unearthed.I have had to really sift through my memories and gather myself so that I could realize that things could be different for me. Different better. That is the type of conversation that makes us better at who we are and what we do. That is the type of conversation that reminds us that other people are going through similar situations and knowing this gives us comfort. I didn't just walk away with things to think about; I walked away with tips that I tried and reaped success. 

Our conversations should be stimulating to the point where latent talents explode, hidden personal truths are acknowledged and dealt with, and the best within us becomes absolutely phenomenal! Do you know why? It is because good, deep conversations make us better people. 

Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. Proverbs 27:17

He that walketh with wise men shall be wise: but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. Proverbs 13:20 (KJV)

Sometimes the nourisher needs nourishing.

This week, as I was reading T.D. Jakes' Woman, Thou Art Loosed, I learned that the nourisher needs nourishing. Ain’t that the truth?! I am a mother, teacher, sister (and you could add blogger) and so many other things. In these capacities, I try to build up others. I try to encourage others who may be struggling because our Father says this is what we ought to do (Hebrews 3:13)… but what do I do during those dark days? Of course, I try to encourage myself (if I remember to do so). We may spend so much time nourishing and fighting for others but we often forget that we too need to be encouraged, to be strengthened as we struggle too. 

I can remember one day I was going through one of the many trials I've had so far and I cried out to Abba in my spirit for Him to hold me. I never uttered a word but my spirit was in such anguish that all I could do was cry. Never mind not having the words because God understands tears. After all, Psalm 56:8 tells us that our tears are recorded in His book. So, our tears matter to Almighty God. They count! 
A couple of days later, an elderly woman who worked in the nursing department of the hospital where I worked at the time approached me with a big smile on her face and said that over the previous weekend, the Lord told her to give me a hug when she saw me again. Believe me when I tell you that I wept. Oh the love of Abba for me is excellent and everlasting! He had prepared the answer before I even asked! Isaiah 65:24

She not only gave me that hug, but she encouraged me and I was comforted by her obedience.

We ought to have more conversations that cause us to grow and to strengthen our communal bond. Indeed, there is truth in the scriptures about this: 

Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel. Proverbs 27:9 (KJV)

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (KJV)

Be mindful of what you ingest.

We also need to be mindful of what we ingest even in conversation. The Word of God says  so we always need stay away from negativity. Negativity and unforgiveness are toxic. Walk away from talk that sows seeds of discord, hopelessness and that create and feed doubt in God's Word and love for you.

Sometimes some conversations are draining. Another coworker was sharing with me this week about a situation in which he found himself with someone who had certain beliefs about the identity of the true Jews. If there is some insight you want to share, it should not be that your audience feels pressured to accept the point or that you have to aggressively make your beliefs known. Having gone through this experience myself, I keep in mind the truth of the Word of God that says the wisdom that comes from our heavenly Father is "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17 KJV).

I also remember that "the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, ready to teach and patient" (2 Timothy 2:24 KJV).

Stay away from conversations that do not add value and strength to your life. If it doesn’t empower you, give life and strength to continue being your best or become exceptional, it’s no good for you.   

Make no friendship with an angry man; and with a furious man thou shalt not go: Lest thou learn his ways, and get a snare to thy soul. Proverbs 22:24-25 (KJV)

Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.1 Corinthians 15:33 (KJV)

Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Proverbs 4:23 (KJV) 

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.James 3:17  (KJV)

It's Your Turn

Have you had any great, life-giving conversations lately? I would love to hear about it!

Until next time, my friends, have a blessed week being a blessing!