Denise J. Hughes
About the Author

Denise is a lover of words and the Word. She's the author of #DeeperWaters and the Bible study series #WordWriters.

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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Denise,
    Wise words this morning! I really pray that I will get better at weighing my words before they tumble out of my mouth. I have been deeply hurt by words and I know the damage they can do. As you said, there is a balance between the rawness of truth and the softness of grace. Praying my words would be grace-filled so that they might build others up and bring God glory.
    Blessings this Sunday,
    Bev

  2. Denise,
    Praying that God will put His hand over my mouth to make me think–really think before I speak. Want to speak words that edify and build people up not tear them down!! Yes there are times you might need to speak truth, but do so in a nice calming manner with words of tenderness!!!
    Have a blessed Sunday! 🙂

  3. Denise, I am so glad for these confirming words today! This week I have
    been in much prayer asking the Lord about this balance. A couple of very close family members have voiced to me a dissatisfaction with the way I communicate and/or receive criticism or advice. It has been said that I can come off like I’m lecturing rather than compassionate. Or, that I display defensiveness when criticized. I confessed that I do feel defensive when criticized and want to respond to criticism with a right attitude. The hard part is that these who are telling me of my faults don’t seem to have much patience, tenderness, compassion and grace toward me. So, isn’t this where I must take up my cross and bear the weight of this painful reality? That I am to repay evil with good.

    I hear the Lord telling me to tell truth with tenderness, give correction with
    compassion and bear pain patiently. I know in myself I cannot do this. Also
    today, in listening to a sermon about sharing the gospel with others, I was
    reminded that if my heart isn’t first “stirred up with affection for Jesus”
    through worship, I will come off cold, condescending and superior. The
    difficulty I face is that I am with a health condition in which attending
    corporate worship causes disabling symptoms. Oh how I long to be free to
    worship together with other believers again! Please pray with me in this. And in the meantime, here in my home I will continue to seek ways to stir up my affections for Jesus in this solitude worship, because I do want to adore Him more and more. May this growing adoration for our Lord then overflow into my conversations with others! My prayers for those commenting here in this as well!!

  4. Denise, I’m teaching a 9-week session about walking along side the hurting woman in the FB group Women Leading Women. This is exactly part of the message I’ve been sharing. It’s good to hear someone else say it! Thanks!