She is always pleasant and a good listener. My friend is not agreeable just to get along. Neither is she a flatterer. And yet the other day she called me beautiful. Although it was my home my friend was entering, I felt welcomed. “Hello, Beautiful!” she greeted, as she let herself into my house through the kitchen (she always does – and I want her to). Her name for me was warm, sweet, and sincere.

Photo Credit: Daddy

For days my mind kept pondering over this word. Why couldn’t I stop hearing it in my head? Maybe she has never called me by any name other than my own. Why today and not another? – I know it’s more than that. She spread her friendship over me with her quick word, and it proved to be a balm to my soul.

With her gracious words, my friend brought sweetness to my week. She was seeking to encourage, and that she did. The Proverb says that our speech should be like the honeycomb. Not flattery, but genuine words that give value, appreciation, respect, and esteem. “Honeywords” for the hearer’s benefit and good.

“And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, …” I Thessalonians 3:12

with love. Damaris