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Ripple Effects

This week, our church finished vacation Bible school. As the kids pastor, I’m a little relieved, but also relishing in what we discussed. This year, our kids learned that what they do can change the world around them. This message is appropriate for everyone, not just kids.

Think about it. If I begin my day with a sarcastic comment to my husband, this causes him to feel badly. His response may not be directed at me, but he may lash out at our kids or a friend. The cycle continues on throughout the day all because I didn’t use kindness when I should have.

“The tongue can bring death or life...” Proverbs‬ ‭18:21‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Our words have tremendous power to either build someone up or crush their spirit. If I begin my day with a kind word to my husband, my kids, and my coworkers, I am creating a ripple effect of positivity. We need so much more of this in our world.

Likewise, our actions speak volumes about our character. Do we really follow through with how we talk? Do we really try to build up others instead of putting every misstep under the microscope? 

Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!” Psalms‬ ‭119:5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

If we all were to live by these words, kindness would abound in the world. People would see one another for the blessing that they are and do everything they could to build them up. It would be a tremendous ripple effect.

What do your ripple effects say about you? Are you leaving people feeling better about themselves and the world, or are you crushing spirits with harsh comments and actions? As Christians, we are called to a higher standard. That standard is Christ, and though I can never reach perfection in my own strength, I am striving to do better every day. And as each day passes, I examine the ripple effects and reflect on how I did. 

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.


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  1. LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!!!! Thank you for sharing!!!

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