“Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but only was is good for building others up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hears.” Ephesians 4:29
God wants us to use words to lift each other up, not tear them down. Sometimes our words as like a sledgehammer. We swing away without thinking, and suddenly we look around and realize the path of relational rubble surrounds us. When you thoughtlessly sling your words around and tear people down, your relationships are going to suffer.
One reason we are not constructive with our words is we don’t realize how powerful this tool is -our mouth and the words that God had given to us. We say things without thinking. And people remember them.
You probably can still remember certain thing’s people said to you in a careless way -even as far back as grade school or college or when you started working. That’s how powerful words are. So when it comes out of your mouth, think of it as a power tool and be very careful with it.
The direction on a brand new power saw, reads:
1. Know your power tool
2. Keep guards in place
3. Be careful around children
4. Store idle tools when not in use
5. Don’t overreach
6. Never use in an explosive atmosphere
Maybe if people followed these directions for their mouths. The world or even the people in your life would be a happier place.
How can you use your mouth more carefully so you are using it to build people up instead of tearing people down.
Stop saying, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to say that or that’s just how I am.” Realize that what you say impacts everyone around you.
Talk less. We often get in trouble because we just don’t know when to shut up. If it’s a power too, you should have to use it as much, right?
Listen more. If you listen more, you can better understand people’s needs.
Start building. In every conversation let your first thought be, “What does this person need?” “How can I use a word of encouragement to lift them up?” “”What can I say to make a difference in their life whether today, or forever.
I very valuable lesson I remember my father telling me. “If you can’t say anything nice don’t say anything at all.”
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight 0’ Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Psalm 19:14
From Pity to Praise 