Everyday Eulogies
I’ve spoken recently of my love for words. Their meaning, their history and their power to make such a big difference. Like most things put into the hands of humanity, they can be used for both good and evil; healing and harm.
I’ve noticed recently that I can easily be very self-centered and focused on the things I need to do. I appreciate hearing encouragement from others and yet I wonder how generous I am with my words of affirmation for others.
In Luke 6:27-28, Jesus challenges us to do something extraordinary with our words. He says, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”
Jesus focuses on the words we use towards those who hate us. I just wonder how well I fulfil his command even with the people I like!
“Bless” comes from the Greek word eulogéō which is where we get our word eulogy from. Think of the care, affection and diligence that goes into writing a eulogy that truly honours a person. It misses out all of their faults and just focuses on what can be celebrated. It reminds me of a Garrison Keillor quote, “They say such nice things about people at their funerals that it makes me sad to realise that I'm going to miss mine by just a few days.”
So what if rather than waiting for a funeral, we started today? What would happen if each of us sought to thoughtfully eulogise one another? Imagine the impact your words could have on those closest to you? Imagine the incredible blessing our church gatherings would be. Imagine the difference it would make in homes and schools, universities and workplaces. Imagine the sort of children that would grow up in our homes and churches were they to hear such words at a formative age.
I even wonder what impact it would have on our own thought patterns if we created a habit of looking for things to celebrate in others.
So let me invite you into my personal challenge for this week. I want to take some time every day to write 3 things I really appreciate about someone else and share it with them. I might send them a message, tell them face to face or write it in a card for them to keep. Will you join me and accept the 7 Day Eulogy Challenge?
Much love,
Simon
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