Using My Words to Build Others Up

In review of Ephesians 4:29 it warns me to “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” (NIV).

Today’s verse is Ephesians 4:29, in it Paul warns me to not use harmful words, but only those that are helpful, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what I say will do good to those who hear me.

I can bring sorrow to the Holy Spirit by the way I live. Paul warns me against unwholesome language, bitterness, improper use of anger, harsh words, slander, and bad attitudes toward others. Instead I should be forgiving, just as God has forgiven me.

God wants me to use my words to build others up.

Sometimes my words are like a sledgehammer. I swing away without thinking, and suddenly I look around and realize a pile of relational rubble surrounds me. When I thoughtlessly sling my words around and tear people down, my relationships are going to suffer.

I’m learning that one reason I’m not constructive with my words is I don’t realize how powerful this tool is, my mouth and the words that God has given to me. I say things without thinking. And people remember them.

I can still remember certain things people said to me in a careless way, even as far back as grade school or college or when I first started working. That’s how powerful words are. So when it comes to my mouth, I need to think of it as a power tool and then be extremely careful with it.

Stop excusing. Stop saying, "I didn't really meant to say that" or "That's just how I am before my first cup of coffee." Realize that what I say impacts everybody around me.

Talk less. I often get in trouble because I just don’t know when to shut up. If it’s a power tool, you shouldn’t have to use it as much, right?

Listen more. If you listen more, you can better understand people’s needs.

Start building. Let your first thoughts be, “What does that person need?” “How can I use a word of encouragement to build him up?” “What can I say to make a difference in her life?”

Consider making this part of my morning prayers: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14 NIV).

Bottom Line:

Use your words to build and not tear down.

What this means to me:

I need to use my words to help build and not tear down. Let them be will do good to those who hear them

In summary, use my words to build and not tear down. Strive to do good to those who would hear them. Be forgiving as he has forgiven me. Stop excusing what I say, talk less, listen more and start building.

This morning Father I do pray that you can help me use the words of my mouth and having a goal to please you with the meditation of my heart. I also ask this morning that you help fill me with your wisdom and your guidance for my day and my tasks. Help me lead my team and help me interact well with others. In Jesus name I pray, amen.