When the twelve spies came back from their 40-day reconnaissance mission into the Promised Land, the majority reported that “the people” and “the cities” in the land were “greater” and seemingly indestructible. The report, although based on false information, “discouraged” (literally, “melted”) the “hearts” of the people (Deut. 1:28). What a negative influence!
Compare that with Philemon in the New Testament. Paul wrote that he had heard of this Christian brother’s “love and faith” and “the sharing of [his] faith,” which brought Paul “much joy and comfort” (Phile. 5-7). But Paul’s joy and comfort were actually “because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by” Philemon (Phile. 7). What a positive influence!
Think about the influence that you have on others. Could it be that your words, attitudes and actions “melt” people’s hearts and discourage them? Or do you use your words, attitudes and actions to “refresh” people’s hearts and encourage them? The choice is yours! The difference is immeasurable!