Let’s talk about something important: the words that come out of our mouths. They have incredible power – to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage, to bring life or death.
Ephesians 4:29 tells us: “You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Woah, that’s a challenge! But let’s dig into what it really means.
- “Unwholesome word” – Think of rotten fruit. It’s gross, right? Unwholesome words are like that – gossip, insults, lies, negativity. They stink up the place and leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.
- “Beneficial for building up” – Imagine using words like bricks to construct something amazing. Encouraging words, compliments, truth spoken in love – these build people up, make them stronger, give them hope.
- “The one in need” – We ALL need encouragement sometimes. Maybe your friend is struggling, or your sibling is feeling down. Your words can make a HUGE difference.
- “Give grace to those who hear” – Grace is like a gift, something undeserved. When we speak with kindness and love, even when it’s tough, we’re giving a gift of grace to others.
So, how do we put this into practice?
- Think before you speak: Is what you’re about to say helpful? True? Necessary? Kind?
- Choose your words carefully: Words can wound deeply. Be mindful of how your words might affect others.
- Focus on the positive: Look for opportunities to encourage and uplift those around you.
- Speak the truth in love: Sometimes we need to have tough conversations, but do it with compassion and respect.
Questions to ponder
- What kind of words do you typically use? Do they build others up or tear them down?
- Can you think of a time when someone’s words really hurt you? How did it make you feel?
- How can you use your words to make a positive impact on someone today?
Remember, your words have power. Use them wisely!
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