When Words Matter Most: Speaking Truth with Grace to Those You Love

by Cheryl Marshall, Caroline Newheiser

When a friend or family member is struggling spiritually, do you ever feel uncertain about what to say?

You may sense your loved ones need to hear biblical encouragement or advice but, feeling inadequate for the task, you might simply commiserate or say nothing. God calls you to something more.

In When Words Matter Most, Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser help you discern spiritual needs and give biblical, heartfelt guidance. Through real-life stories and carefully chosen Scripture passages, they model what to say to those who are worried, weary, wayward, or weeping. You’ll learn how to speak truth to others in your sphere of influence and strengthen the body of Christ as a whole.

Genres: Christian, Christian Living, Nonfiction, Counselling, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Theology

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2021

About the author

Cheryl Marshall (MM, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is a wife, mom, counselor, and Bible teacher. She has over twenty-five years of experience teaching and discipling women in the local church, and she currently serves as director of women’s counseling at Founders Baptist Church in Spring, Texas. You can connect with Cheryl online at cherylmarshall.com.

Reviews

[Laura Robinson (naptimereaders) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Wha a beautifully written and thoughtful book. So thankful for these two authors who took the time to minister to those who minister to others.

What this book is not:
-It’s not a book on how to tame your tongue or find gentleness in your tone (I thought it was 🤪 oops)
-It’s not a book to finish in one setting because it’s pretty rich in content you need to chew on it and think about it
-Also heard the audio of this book is a little hard to follow along with, so I’d suggest the physical book. Again, this is a book for the purpose of teaching you how to apply scripture when walking with someone during their own afflictions.
- not a “fun/ entertaining read”

What this book is:
It’s a practical guide on how to walk with people in their seasons of life. Part two literally is for the mentor/ friend to have scripture references for those who are coming to their friend with issues of worry, weariness, waywardness and weeping. “ Our aim has been to encourage and equipped you to speak truth with grace into the lives of those you love according to their need, and we trust that you’re now better prepared to share his word with whomever he places in your path.”

As someone who has walked with many young ladies and still do, I wish I had this book when I started doing ministry 10 years ago. It’s SO rich with scripture and the authors did an amazing job at pointing you to the word of God - so you can in turn point your friend/ mentee to the Word of God. “The Scriptures teach, Reprove, correct and train us to live righteously for God, and they’ll accomplish in our lives every good purpose that he intends.”

We read this book as a bookclub & I actually don’t think that was the right setting / audience for this book. I think this would be a great book for anyone that is walking with someone - like a life group leader, Bible study table leaders, maybe youth group leader. But alas, it really can be for anyone!

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a practical little book that assists believers in following the call from 1 Thessalonians 5 to "encourage one another and build one another up" and to "admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with them all." Part 1 explains the importance of speaking God's gracious truth to fellow believers and part 2 breaks down specific scripture that the reader can share with her worried, weary, wayward, and weeping friends. To top it off, the authors added a resource guide of recommended books at the end (and I love a good resource guide)!

[Meagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Crossway Books for this #gifted book!*

Title: When Words Matter Most
Author: Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser
Genre: Nonfiction/Christian Living

Synopsis: “God had called each of us to speak his truth in love to one another, and that is what this book addresses—how to speak God’s truth with grace into the lives of those you love, according to their need.” In this book, Cheryl and Caroline dive deep into God’s word with the why, the who, and the what of speaking Scripture to those around you. You’ll learn biblical reasoning and principles as well practical truth from God’s Word to share with your friends and loved ones. You’ll also get four very applicable categories—worried, weary, wayward, and weeping—that will point you straight to specific passages to encourage someone else (and yourself!) This book is filled with biblical wisdom and practical advice for every believer.

Analysis: After seeing glowing reviews from several trusted bookstagram friends, I knew I had to read this book, and it did not disappoint. It’s actually a book I didn’t realize how badly I needed and one that I’ve already graciously seen the Lord use in my life. The writing is very conversational, and the pages are filled with God’s Word. The authors lovingly encourage you to speak the truth of Scripture to those around you. But I also found myself encouraged with the practical application of Scripture in my own life. This is a book I will cherish and reference for years to come. I’d highly recommend it for every Christian and encourage you to immediately pray for opportunities to use what you learn 🤍

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Myra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate that this book is so practical and helpful. Before I could even get through the book I found myself grabbing it and reading it out loud over the phone to a dear friend who was feeling overwhelmed and sorrowful. I loved the specific Scripture and insights from each passage that are given to encourage women who are worried, weary, wayward, and weeping. I think this is a great resource to equip those who have owned the joyful responsibility of discipling others and to help instill confidence in God and His great power to transform lives through His word. Cheryl and Caroline have done much hard work for us, and have put in our hands an effective tool. I found it very encouraging.

[Jennifer Squire]

I love when books are concise, orderly, wise, and practical. Wonderful reminders to speak God’s words, not my own opinions, and I need to know God’s words in order to speak them. There were many encouragements and challenges in their well seasoned words. The second half of the book contained teachings through specific passages and the kinds of people to share them with.
I also enjoyed the last chapter as they taught about Moses- his fears and hesitations and how God was gracious to him and promised to be with him as he obeyed. ❤️

[Rachel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for women who want to encourage other women as they grow in Christlikeness. It walks through why and how we can use Scripture to build up the body of Christ. Very encouraging and motivating!

“It doesn’t matter if your sphere of influence is small or large, seen or unseen. What matters is that you be faithful to God’s calling to speak truth with grace right where you are with the people he has placed in your life. You, and your words are significant and necessary for the building up of his church.”

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐ Great biblical truths and helps in this book. 50/50 split of theology and biblical practicality. They use examples for the worried, weary, wayward and weeping. This book will encourage your heart with truth also (not all of us have people in our lives that are able to speak into them with spiritual truths.) I think it would have been helpful to add a short chapter on what not to say and common verses that are misused and abused. The authors take great care to allude to this, but I think some specific examples would have been helpful.

[Hannah Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
This was a timely read for me, and I think that plays into the high rating. It provides great encouragement for speaking truth to the people God has placed in our lives. I do wish that it went deeper in some areas.

[Rachel Secor · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a helpful, biblical resource on speaking the truth in love to / with those in our lives. I can already tell this will be a book I reference frequently in years to come ! Highly recommend.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful tool as you seek to help or admonish those who are worried, weary, wayward, or weeping.
2025 Read with my Titus 2 group.

2024 A book targeted at your gender
2025 A book about Christian living

[Brittany Shields · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You, and your words, are significant and necessary for the building up of his church… We build up the body of Christ by reminding one another who Christ is and what he’s done for us.”

This is a short, practical book on how to come alongside our loved ones and speak truth in times of struggle.

“We titled this book When Words Matter Most because we believe there are crucial moments in each of our lives when what is heard and believed makes all the difference in the world. When we’re burdened with worry, weariness, sin, or sorrow, we have a choice to build our lives either on the rock of God’s word or the sand of human wisdom. That choice has real consequences.” 

This book is concise and full of Scripture. The core of speaking truth with grace is being willing to do it, understanding God’s Word, and having an attitude of humility and compassion.

‘When Words Matter Most’ provides a helpful resource to guide our conversations and provides sections we can even read verbatim to our friends to offer biblical encouragement.

At the end of the preface they included a prayer for the person reading this book. There wasn’t anything particularly profound in the prayer but it was genuine and reading it really touched me. I feel like just reading their prayer for me over myself was calming and encouraging and could be something I do each time I use this book to talk with my family and friends.

It is evident that the authors are writing from experience and compassionate hearts.


Part One

Part One focuses on how God calls us to speak truth and grace and what those two things mean. This is one way we build up and take care of the Lord’s church— carrying one another’s burdens.

Where does this grace come from? From where does the hope come that we offer others? Both of these are sourced in Christ whose grace and mercy gives us life. We love because he first loved us. We can be gracious because we live in the grace of Christ. We can give hope because the hope of the cross is eternal and sufficient.

As we come alongside hurting people we humble ourselves knowing that all of us are sinful, all of us need a Savior, and the power for change and healing is not in us or our words but the power of Christ in us and working through us as we share Truth.

There is a section talking about different kinds of believers that have trouble accepting God’s truth (withdrawn, angry, defensive, struggling, rebellious) and how we can respond biblically.

“Love at the expense of truth isn’t love.”

If we are going to speak truth, we’re going to need to know what truth is. There is a section the authors spend a little time talking about Scripture and its sufficiency, clarity, authority, and necessity. They remind us how truth has the power to transform us.

Scripture sanctifies, wisens, encourages, fortifies, and brings blessings into our lives.


Part Two

Part Two focuses on four kinds of struggles our loved ones might be going through and provides a few Bible passages for each circumstance and how we can pull out gospel truths and communicate these to our people, even if we are reading them straight from the book.

They discuss:

- Truth for the Worried (Matt 6:25-34; Phil 4:4-9; Ps 27:1-14; Ps 34)

- Truth for the Weary (Isa 40:27-31; 2 Cor 4:7-18; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Ps 71)

- Truth for the Wayward (Prov 3:5-8; Gal 5:16-25; 2 Cor 7: 9-11; Ps 32:1-11; 2 Cor 2:14-17)

- Truth for the Weeping (Ps 13:1-6; Lam 3:19-26, 55-58; 2 Cor 1:3-5; Ps 40)

The Truth for the Weary section is where I am personally, and I found it to be really encouraging. Not only is this book to help us encourage others, but we can pray these truths over ourselves too.

A small caveat, but I wish they would have elaborated when they talked about serving others. They gave some examples but as a mother of four children under 6 I am not sure what that looks like for me. I know I can’t always be the one to serve and that even though my life is hectic I can still find ways to serve, but I can barely make meals for my own family let alone others and get it to them on time. I can’t really go anywhere without either taking my kids or hiring a babysitter. I want to be able to serve, but I could use some ideas of how people at my life stage can serve in ways that actually help people and not add my chaos to their lives.

One thing they mentioned that I had not heard before was the origin of the hymn ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’ This is a song sung to me as a child and one I sing to my kids now, too. The writer of that song had a life full of tragedy. By the age of 25 he had lost two fiances to tragic accidents. His mother also suffered illness.

Yet, amidst the worry, the weariness, and the weeping, he penned these words:

“What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer

Oh what peace we often forfeit!
Oh, what needless pain we bear
All because we do not carry 
Everything to God in prayer

Have we trials and temptations
Is there trouble anywhere
We should never be discouraged
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Can we find a friend so faithful
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge
Take it to the Lord in prayer

Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee
Thou wilt find a solace there”

I hadn’t really reflected on these words before. They remind us— Jesus is our Friend and there is power in prayer. We can strive to be the best friends we can be for others, but the truest friend there is is Christ. And he is waiting for us to come to him and find rest for our weary, heavy-laden, and weeping souls.

The best thing we can do for our loved ones is to point them to the ultimate Friend.

“Our confidence to speak truth with grace to one another is rooted in knowing that God is present, powerful, and faithful to his promises.”  

“Jesus is the one who saves and sanctifies his people, and that was never a weight intended for you to carry. You can’t rescue anyone, but Christ can. You can’t change anyone, but Christ can. You don’t have the power to produce spiritual life and transformation in those you love, but you can have every confidence that Christ does.”
 

More Quotes:

“We can provide spiritual help by listening (Prov. 18:13), sympathizing (Rom. 12:15), giving encouragement (Eph. 4:29), and interceding for others, praying that they’ll receive mercy and grace in their time of need (Heb. 4:16).” 

“In times of trouble, we all need constant reminders of what we know is true about God, just like the psalmist who repeatedly asked himself, “Why are you in despair, oh my soul? And why have you become disturbed within me?” Each time, he reassured his own faint heart with the same words of encouragement: “Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God” (Ps. 42:5, 11; 43:5).”

“It may be tempting to simply give unbelievers advice to help their lives run more smoothly, but offering principles for life without the hope and power of the gospel won’t give them relief from their heaviest burden—the burden of sin and its condemnation. Beware of providing unbelievers with only temporary solutions that ignore the spiritual realities in their lives.”  

“If she sins, speak of God’s forgiveness. If she fails, speak of God’s mercy. If she doubts, speak of God’s faithfulness. If she suffers, speak of God’s lovingkindness. And if she hurts or offends you, remember that as God has been gracious to you in your salvation, you must also be gracious to her—especially when you speak.” 

“As you grow in understanding and appreciating the grace of God in your own life—especially as you meditate on his grace in your salvation, sanctification, and glorification—your speech will become more grace filled. Your words will become more loving, and you will find yourself speaking freely of the grace of God.”  

“If you’re honest with the Lord and yourself about your own struggles and shortcomings, then you won’t be shocked, judgmental, or easily offended when a friend shares her sin and failures with you. To respond with humility, own the fact that you’re a sinner as well (Rom. 3:23). You both need the same Savior.”  

“You can’t tell the Lord how to care for you, but you can trust that he always will. Wait for him to work in your life, believing that you’ll see the goodness of the Lord. As you wait for and remind yourself how trustworthy he is, the Lord will give you strength and courage to persevere. Let the knowledge of his goodness toward you dispel your worry and fill you with a steadfast faith.”  

“You can do whatever God calls you to do—persevere in suffering, walk in obedience, be content in every circumstance—with the help he gives. The Lord will fill your weakness with power and your weariness with endurance. When you lack strength, his grace will increase in you all the more…”

“though you may agree with what he says is good, don’t fall into the trap of believing your sinful choices are better for you because of the circumstances in which you find yourself.”  

“He’ll redeem what has been lost and broken in your life and use it to display his glory in you. And in this there’s great joy—the joy of forgiveness, the joy of righteousness, the joy of life in Christ. Praise him for his steadfast love!”  

“Your role in the lives of those who weep isn’t to be their sole comforter; your role is to direct them to the Comforter of their souls.”  

“He’s the ultimate source of every true act of comfort. He’s the hand behind the friend who helps you, the truth behind the song that calms you, the Creator behind the nature that refreshes you, and the giver behind every gift that blesses you. His Spirit applies his word to your heart like a soothing balm, and he pours his peace into your soul like a cool river in a parched land. No affliction enters your life that doesn’t have a corresponding comfort from the Lord.”


Four Books Quoted in When Words Matter Most:

- How Long O Lord?: Reflections on Suffering and Evil by D.A. Carson

- Taking God at His Word: Why the Bible is Knowable, Necessary, and Enough, and What that Means for You and Me by Kevin DeYoung

- Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament by Mark Vroegop

- Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible with Both Our Hearts and Our Minds by Jen WIlkin


Other Relevant Books:

- Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow

- Gentle and Lowly: The Heart of Christ for Sinners and Sufferers by Dane Ortlund

- Becoming a Woman Whose God is Enough by Cynthia Heald

- Cultivating Compassion: Practical Advice as You Walk a Friend Through a Season of Loss by Lynne Hoeksema

- The Honest Griever: Truths God Teaches on the Journey from Pain to Purpose by Lynne Hoeksema

- Where I End: A Story of Tragedy, Truth, and Rebellious Hope by Katherine Elizabeth Clark

- You Who?: Why You Matter and How to Deal With It by Rachel Jankovic

- Suffering Wisely and Well: The Grief of Job and the Grace of God by Eric Ortlund

- It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way: Finding Unexpected Strength When Disappointments Leave You Shattered by Lysa TerKeurst

- Fierce Faith: A Woman’s Guide to Fighting Fear, Wrestling Worry, and Overcoming Anxiety by Alli Worthington

**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

[Check out the original blog post for some quote memes to share]

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[Emma Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging and practical book about the importance of speaking the truth in love and how to do so. The book also has sections with Bible verses for those who are going through different seasons (weary, worried, wayward) that will be great to reference.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life. Psalm 119:50. And it makes us spiritually strong: My soul melts away for sorrow, strengthen me according to your word.

This text is for those that want to give an encouraging word to others with grace, love, and truth. However, it is more than that, it is a word for you as well. It was for me. It is a reminder of the power of God's word to minister to others. To encourage, strengthen, and remember the goodness of God. It also reminds us that God's care is different than how we look at care. His care goes much deeper as it is care for our souls. I am always reminded of the words of Christ not to worry about what man can do to our bodies but to fear God and what He can do and will do. He is establishing his rule and reign.

I appreciated the practical application for me to extend grace to others but also the importance to be Gospel centered. My soul depends on it. Highly recommend.

A special thank you to Crossway Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC and the opportunity to post an honest review.

[Sarah Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

To admonish literally means to “put in mind.”

Helping the weak requires sacrificial, personal involvement.

Worry is a monster that must be fed to survive. Overcoming worry takes practice.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus; look full in his wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.”

Instead of spinning your wheels with worry, give full attention to your relationship with God.

[Sophie Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the best book I read in 2023 and I’m so grateful to read it straight out of the gate in 2024 (and again midway through 2024, this time with a group from church, which has only intensified the significance and impact).

One of the most intensely practical and helpful books I’ve ever read. I recommend it to every believer.

[Kristen Rosener · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book over the summer with a group of friends and found it very helpful in applying God's word to my conversations. Often I'm at a loss for what to say to loved ones who are weary, wayward, worried, or weeping. If you've ever found yourself at a loss for how to give comfort that matters, this book will be a good resource for you.

[stella begey · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent tool for communicating in truth & love. Overflowing with scripture for the moments we want to be loving & require truth. A grace to read!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
What is spiritual friendship? How are we called in scripture to live life with one another and to participate in each other’s sanctification? I spent the first part of the book being convicted of how much I need to grow in my friendships. The second part of the book is a good modeling of how to share the truth of Scripture with friends. It challenged me to be in scripture more (not just reading but also studying and meditating on).
My caveat in recommending this book is that this book is not all you need - the Bible is; the words they give for you to say to your friends are not what you need - the Bible by the Holy Spirit is. However they do model well (but don’t teach) how to look at scripture in context, giving it the proper place as God’s word which is perfect (and that we are not God).

[Bethany Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good primer for the layperson. I particularly enjoyed the first half of the book which gave the theological basis for speaking into another person's life. The last half was nice, but mostly a quick reference guide to 5 different categories. I would have liked more detail, or insight on how to speak to someone who is combative, doubting, immature, hiding, deceptive, etc. But thats just me. For your average person, this is a great starting point and would pair well with Caring for One Another by Ed Welch.

[Mary Grace Hollins · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a practical read with literal instruction guides/Scripture cheat sheets on passages to give to people and what to say along with them. As someone who has felt called to speak Scripture to friends but almost always chickened out, this was so helpful. I do wish a few chapters went a bit more in-depth, but overall, this was so great!

[Leah Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was immensely helpful and encouraging. The authors challenged me to be bold in my speech with others and truly be a vessel of truth to them. The second half of the book was immensely practical as they addressed common problems people face and how to address those Biblically. I’d highly recommend this book to anyone looking to serve the women around her with words of truth.

[Karen Dauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an excellent read! Marshall and Newheiser discuss how our words matter when having conversations with others. As Christians, we are called to speak truth into others’ lives, even when it is hard to do so. Using Scripture as the foundation, this book goes through how to love others well in different situations and circumstances through the words we speak.

[Faith Cote · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is such an encouraging and practical resource for women who want to encourage other women! It also encouraged me to read- especially the part about anxiety, as I’ve always struggled with anxiety.

Thankful for this book!

[Sherilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book on biblical counseling. Lots of good information on how to speak biblical truths to fellow believers. Verses to share, how to share them, and when might be appropriate to share them.
I highly recommend!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Packed with Scripture, polished writing, and practical chapters to guide your conversations with Biblical wisdom and grace. I plan to hold on to this book as a reference for myself and others. A great read!

[contemplativereflections · Rating 4 out of 5]

In "When Words Matter Most," Cheryl Marshall and Caroline Newheiser remind Christians of the importance of speaking God’s truth into the lives of those around us. The premise of the book is that every believer can be used by God to minister to their fellow believers during the different seasons of life. In the first chapter, the authors stress how each believer is called to mutual encouragement so that the family of God is built up. Not only do we need to take hold of every opportunity that comes along to speak but we also need to learn to speak words of truth rooted in God’s Word. In our interactions with others, our aim ought to be focused on attaining unity of our faith, knowledge of Christ, and Christlike maturity. In the next chapter, the topic is getting to know the ones we are trying to help so that our counsel is timely, wise, and relevant. The authors identify three types of individuals as found in 1 Thessalonians 5:14 namely the unruly, the fainthearted, and the weak. The first group of believers are those who are sinning against God of which we are to admonish them by gently showing them how their actions contravene God’s commands in Scripture. The fainthearted are those who need words of encouragement and hope as they sink low in discouragement and despair. The last group are the physically or spiritually weak who need uplifting words or a helping hand in times of need. Moreover, we are also called to care for unbelievers around us by sharing with them the hope we have in Jesus and how salvation through Him enables us to persevere in the midst of the struggles we face. In chapter three, Marshall and Newheiser discuss how critical it is to dispense grace to those we give counsel to. Genuine grace that is life-giving and transforming comes from God alone so we ought to first properly grasp His justifying grace, sanctifying grace, and glorifying grace. In our conversations with others, we need to constantly remind those who are distraught and dismayed that the grace of God saves them from their sins, empowers them to grow in holiness, and provides them with hope for the future. The next chapter further expands on the qualities, conversations, and conduct of a gracious friend such as forgiveness, humility, and wisdom. However, despite our best efforts to reach others with grace and love, not all of those on the receiving end react positively. Thus, in chapter five, the authors analyze how to love and care for those who are withdrawn, angry, defensive, struggling, or rebellious. The last chapter in part one then moves on to illustrate how our grace-filled conversations also need to be informed by the truth of Scripture in order to be effective and God-glorifying. The Bible is God’s inerrant, authoritative words which are sufficient and clear enough to allow believers to live godly lives that glorify Him according to His will. Thus, we ought to faithfully study God’s Word for ourselves first and then carefully apply the truths of the Bible to exhort, correct, and encourage fellow believers to greater spiritual maturity. In the second part of the book, the authors pinpoint several Scripture passages particularly useful in encouraging those who are weary, worried, wayward, and weeping. In addition to highlighting the key points of each passage, Marshall and Newheiser also provide succinct explanations that help apply those truths to the receiving party.

I recommend this book as an accessible resource for believers who are hesitant to provide counsel to those who are struggling or suffering around them. Many Christians often shy away from either confronting or comforting other believers perhaps due to not knowing what words to speak or being afraid of hurting the other party. However, Marshall and Newheiser emphasize that it is God’s will for every believer to build each other up to greater holiness, unity, and knowledge of Christ. God has placed people with different circumstances and challenges in various areas of our lives so that we may be the very people God intends to use to dispense His grace, love, and mercy. Moreover, God’s Word is the primary means by which we exhort, teach, and correct other Christians. This is in contrast to relying on our own methods or techniques to try boosting someone’s self-esteem or coaxing others to change from their sinful habits.It is not our ability or wisdom that enables us to help others but it is God who chooses to use us to speak truth in love for the benefit of those around us. Thus, when we attempt to encourage the downtrodden and weary, it is the power of the resurrected Christ in us through His Spirit that gives us courage and knowledge to say the right words in the right way. This enables us to lovingly comfort, guide, and uplift those who are discouraged, apathetic, or distraught with gentleness, patience, and hope.

In compliance with Federal Trade Commission regulations, I was provided a review copy of this book from Crossway.

[molly shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good, practically written book. I love that they hand you examples on how to speak truth in love to others and give you Scripture to share with others throughout all different circumstances.

[Lisa Brantly · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is a very good presentation of the gospel.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical and helpful, right down to “scripts” you can use for conversations with friends who are worried, weary, weeping or wayward. An excellent reminder that we are all equipped and called to speak grace into the lives of our people.

[Shannon Woodhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have spent several months slowly pouring over this book. It is firmly centered on scripture and full of encouragement for those seeking to speak truth to others.