A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine
Others Negativity Is Contagious
PROVERBS 17:22
“A merry heart does good, like medicine, But a broken spirit dries the bones.
”Proverbs 17:22 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/pro.17.22.NKJ
V
To be cheerful and welcoming all the time is not easy, especially when we look what is happening in this world today and are facing our own trials and challenges.
But being cheerful and ready to greet others with a joyful welcome, is like a powerful fuel that charges our batteries and empowers us to work hard and be happy.
Furthermore a word of encouragement, with enthusiasm for the task in hand, and a positive attitude for the future can be like a pain relieving medication to the broken hearted.
But however, a negative attitude is contagious. When people continually pour out their troubles upon you it can soon weigh you down. So while it’s important to be a listener, and pray for people who are struggling, it’s just as important to not allow them to continually moan and groan over and over the same old problems. Their moaning comes from the pits of hell and is a curse upon themselves and others (JAMES 3:10). Therefore, don’t allow them to drag you down with them.
Of course, we must try to take the weight off their shoulders through prayer, encouragement, and seeking help and guidance, and to identify the source of their negativity so that they can be healed; but you must immediately give that weight to Christ.
It’s good to care, but you will soon be crushed under the weight of others if you try to carry them in your own strength.
To remain cheerful and full of joy comes from standing on God’s promises, trusting in Him, and choosing to have a positive attitude at all times.
My brethren, rather than seeing one’s cup as half empty, see it as half full. Revelling in self-pity helps no one; it comes from one’s emotions and makes the problems considerably worse.
It is encouraging to know that God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them (ROMANS 8:28).
That includes every situation you face, your mistakes, faults and failures. However impossible one situation, it is possible with God (LUKE 18:27; MATHEW 19:26).
James tells us, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
James 1:2-4 NKJV
I encourage you, whatever troubles you are facing right now, God is using them for your long-term good. He is using them to prune you back that you grow in strength, patience, and become more Christ like in your character and ultimately produce good fruit.
Therefore my beloved, see them as an opportunity for joy, for the joy of the LORD is your strength (NEHEMIAH 8:10).
All glory to God forever and ever! Amen.
