4 Ways to Speak Shalom
The conversation ended, and I felt hollow.
The words spoken sucked the joy right out of me and dried up my soul. I knew I should not engage in such a thorny conversation. But the poisonous seeds were quickly scattered, and I didn’t know how to stop them from taking root in the soil of my heart.
I opened up my Bible and exposed myself to the Light:
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace and work to maintain it.
~ I Peter 3:11, NLT
I want my life to speak shalom and nourish the weary and wounded.
In Never Unfriended, Lisa Jo Baker defines “shalom” as “caring about someone’s safety and soundness in body, welfare, prosperity, peace and contentment, friendship and good health…caring deeply about seeing conflict come to an end…passionately invested in seeking the well-being of others…living into the Great Commission to become a blessing to the people around us…”
Powerful, right?
I know I can’t speak peace without the help of the Peace Maker, so tonight I went digging deep into the Scriptures for His instructional help, and I found a passage where Paul shows us how to put this into practice.
4 Ways to Speak Shalom
Extend grace
Choose to bless, not browbeat. Speak kindness to those in your circle of influence. A sweet word is nourishing to the soul.
May God give you grace and peace. (I Thessalonians 1:1, NLT)
Express gratitude
Live like a noticer, not a nitpicker. Verbalize your appreciation for the constant contributions of those you rub shoulders with each day. Say a simple thank you to soothe a weary heart.
We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ. (vs. 2-3)
Emphasize good
Suit up as a cheerleader, not a condemner. Affirm the character of those journeying alongside of you. Stand up beside them in support of their bents and gifts.
We know, dear brothers and sisters, that God loves you and has chosen you to be his own people. For when we brought you the Good News, it was not only with words but also with power, for the Holy Spirit gave you full assurance that what we said was true. And you know of our concern for you from the way we lived when we were with you. (vs 4-5)
Encourage growth
Determine to promote, rather than poison. Applaud the courageous who fling fear aside to fulfill their callings. Celebrate the wonderful workΒ of redemption evidenced in resurrected lives.Β Β
So you received the message with joy from the Holy Spirit in spite of the severe suffering it brought you. In this way, you imitated both us and the Lord.Β As a result, you have become an example to all the believers in Greeceβthroughout both Macedonia and Achaia. (vs 6-7)
Purpose to speak Shalom over your people.
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Another great read, Lyli! “Suit up as a cheerleader, not a condemner.”, Love this! <3
Getting out my pom poms and putting down my bat.
“Be a noticer, not a nitpicker.” <– Now those are some words to live by! Great post!! Blessings!
I’m preaching to myself, Liz. π
If you listen to podcasts, I think you’d love Osheta Moore’s Shalom in the City. I don’t live in a city, but I’m getting all kinds of encouragement from her guests who talk about practical ways to live shalom in our everyday lives with families and neighbors, etc.
Thanks for your encouragement in that today!
Thanks, Michele! I came across Osheta through Deidra Riggs, I believe. Visited her blog and spent a lovely afternoon getting acquainted. I haven’t jumped into the podcast yet. So many podcasts, so little time!
That description of “shalom” is my favorite part of Never Unfriended. (And there many excellent parts!) It totally shifted my perspective of peace. You share such encouragement here, Lyli. xo
It’s been on my heart all week. If I were a brave tattoo kind of girl, I might get it inked on my wrist to remind me.
I like the suggestions you have, Lyli. We can choose to see good, offer grace and encourage in love if we step down from our high horse ????
Thanks for the linkup.
Blessings to you
Yes, that’s it, friend! Let’s surrender the reins to Jesus and walk together in humility and love.
You may not like my post today, Lyli!! xo
Doubtful, beautiful friend. Love you and your words.
You are such a beautiful example of these Truths, Lyli! Thank you for always speaking Shalom here. Have a blessed weekend, my friend!
June, you are such a cheerleader, friend. I am so thankful that you feel at home here. That is my prayer! xo
We’re so prone to the negative, this is a needed reminder. Sometimes cautions and corrections are needed, but even they can be handled with love and kindness and not used to browbeat or condemn.
Yes, I want to speak the truth in love. It’s His kindness that leads to repentance, not my chastisement.
I love even the word shalom. I used to sign my emails with shalom but haven’t done that in awhile. Perhaps I should pick that back up. Thanks, Lyli, for giving us such wonderful ways to practice shalom.
I have just started using this word. Love it! Thanks for hosting!