Sweet and Healing

Sweet and Healing Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

PROVERBS 16:24 NASB

• I LOVE YOU.

• I really appreciate you.

• You are beautiful.

• I am proud of you.

• You are awesome.

• Thank you.

• I respect you so much.

Although each of these convey affirming words, the real definition of "words of affirmation" comes from the meaning behind each phrase.

For example:

• I love you because ________________

• I really appreciate you because ___________________

• You are beautiful because ________________________

• I am proud of you because _____________________

• You are awesome because _________________________

• Thank you because _________________________

• I respect you so much because _____________________

The power of positive words is mentioned in Scripture... "Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24 NASB).

John Gottman from The Gottman Institute says,

"The 'magic ratio' is 5 to 1. This means that for every negative interaction during conflict, a stable and happy marriage has five (or more) positive interactions."

Although Gottman's research was intended for marriages, this has been therapeutically used as a universal truth. In any relationship, it is wise to think of using five positives and/or words of affirmation to one negative.

Tangible Takeaway

Have you ever said anything just to fill air? Not really knowing what you are saying?

Words are powerful.

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue"

(Proverbs 18:21 ESV).

What we do doesn't necessarily back up our words. So think about the meaning behind your words and practice by filling in the blanks:

. • I love you because ________________

• I really appreciate you because ______________

• You are beautiful because ________________________

• I am proud of you because _________________

• You are awesome because ___________________

• Thank you because _______________________

• I respect you so much because __________________________

*Excerpt from “We’re Still in This: 90 Healthy Truths for Happy Relationships” by Susan Goss