“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Eph 4:29)
Kristi and I helped
some good friends move to a new apartment recently. Strategically
packing boxes in order to fill them up for transport is a challenge.
Filling a box seems harder than unpacking it at the other end.
It is also more work and it takes more mental energy to pack a moving truck
than to unload it. After I accidentally dropped a lamp and cracked
it, we talked about how easy it is to break something, harder to fix it.
It is easier to tear something apart than to rebuild it.
I’ve certainly found that to be true with relationships too. It is easier to tear somebody down than to build them up. It is easier to notice and comment about the faults, fractures, and failures than the potential in people. It is easier to laugh at the expense of others than to go against the grain of the conversation with a positive remark. Sometimes we find humor where a friend isn’t laughing. Often we say things by accident, out of carelessness. Sometimes we make comments in order to look good in front of others. It is natural and popular to be sarcastic, but building others up is supernatural wisdom flowing from God’s Word and by His empowerment.
Encouraging remarks are contagious and benefit others who listen. It takes more thought and a tight rein on the tongue to pack right things into the container of people’s lives.
Father, help me to encourage someone today with words that build up and not tear down.
I’ve certainly found that to be true with relationships too. It is easier to tear somebody down than to build them up. It is easier to notice and comment about the faults, fractures, and failures than the potential in people. It is easier to laugh at the expense of others than to go against the grain of the conversation with a positive remark. Sometimes we find humor where a friend isn’t laughing. Often we say things by accident, out of carelessness. Sometimes we make comments in order to look good in front of others. It is natural and popular to be sarcastic, but building others up is supernatural wisdom flowing from God’s Word and by His empowerment.
Encouraging remarks are contagious and benefit others who listen. It takes more thought and a tight rein on the tongue to pack right things into the container of people’s lives.
Father, help me to encourage someone today with words that build up and not tear down.
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