Someone said, “Don’t talk unless you can improve the silence.”  Good advice.  Following that advice doesn’t mean we will not say anything at all.  It means we will consider carefully what we do say, so we will be a help instead of a hindrance when we speak.

    There are, of course, things we should never say.  We should never speak ugly, hateful words to others.  We should never speak ugly, hateful words about others.  We should never spread falsehoods.  Even some things that are true might be better left unsaid if saying them hurts instead of helps.

    But there are plenty of things that should be said.  We can share a word of encouragement.  So many people are discouraged and despondent.  They may be trying to do seemingly impossible tasks with no one to help.  Since they may be a long way from accomplishing what they should do and want to do, the natural tendency for many of us is to criticize them.  But instead of focusing on their failures, we need to focus on their successes.  Simply sharing how we appreciate them and what they are doing can dramatically change the day - both for them and for us.

    We can share a word of witness.  The first thing that comes to mind when we hear the word witness, is telling someone how to become a Christian.  That is very important, of course, but I am thinking about a different witness.  We need to bear witness to the grace of God in our lives.  He loads us with blessings every day.  Sometimes He does remarkable things in answer to our prayers or the prayers of others.  And sometimes He just overwhelms us with goodness for no apparent reason.  Experiencing God’s grace is wonderful.. Sharing with someone else about what God has done can lift and challenge and inspire in ways we never imagined.

    We can share a word of acceptance.  Many people long to be accepted by others.  I see this often in children, but it is frequently true in youth and adults.  Just to say, “I’m glad you are a part of our church (or family or group)”  can help take away the feeling of loneliness that fills the hearts of many.  We can also make a conscious effort to accept people who are different from us, or who may not be doing the things we think they should.  A judgemental attitude drives people away or into themselves, while a spirit of acceptance of the person even when we can’t accept the conduct draws them close and builds bridges to help us help them.

    Not talking unless we can improve the silence is good.  Improving the silence is better!