“Never part without loving words…” (Jean Paul Richter). Good advice, especially as it regards friends and family. How tragic to suffer grief over words unspoken! Final partings are often sudden and unexpected. It is then too late to say such things as, “I love you” or “I appreciate all you have done for me.”
“If tomorrow never comes….will she know how much I love her?” is an appropriate question to ask, especially on Mother’s Day (Brooks & Blazy). We would also do well to apply this principle to the marriage relationship. It is far too easy to take love for granted and leave unspoken words that keep love’s fire burning brightly.
The same lesson ought to be applied to church relationships. Because of the uncertainty of life, there may soon be those whom we never meet again this side of heaven. That being the case, we should always part with loving words—words of encouragement—words of kindness. When the apostle Paul meet with the elders of Ephesus at Miletus, he reviewed their history together and, then, “he knelt down and prayed with them all. And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more” (Acts 20:37-38). Many of us have experienced the heartache of saying good-bye to dear friends and loved ones—not knowing if or when we would ever see them again.
For this reason, we must remember to make the most of our opportunities. We should “do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Gal. 6:10). Life is short. It is like “a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (Jas. 4:14). Think of all the good which might be accomplished if we would never part without loving words and actions. Imagine how our families would be blessed! It is always better to anticipate with joy the next time we can get together rather than dread reunion because of unkind or thoughtless words. Make an extra effort today to express your love to others. Don’t make the mistake of leaving unspoken kindly words that express loving concern.
— Glen Elliott —