Some people are gifted with the ability to offer meaningful encouragement when appropriate. Their words are refreshment for the discouraged or despairing soul. We need more of these people in our world and we should aspire to be speakers of encouragement. But even these words have limited impact for our lives.
John 6:63 says, “It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” Our human nature is incapable of producing genuine spiritual life, only inadequate replicas. We must turn to God’s Word for life that is abundant and eternal. We can rely upon God’s Spirit to teach us these words of spirit and life.
Reluctant Retiree 