Today I just want to go over how powerful the words we say can be, and what the bible teaches on it. We've all heard the age old "Stick and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me" Right? Well, let's all be honest, they can. The power of speech is a huge part of our lives and it affects us all in a multitude of ways.
Ephesians 4:29
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.
The way we talk in common society is often quite offensive, whether it be a flippant comment about culture, race or any difference between the people around us. Young people also tend to kid alot with jokes and little comments that make you think twice about their true heart for you.
The scripture in Ephesians points out that our talk should only ever be good and wholesome. Our talk should be uplifting, praise-filled, encouraging and enlightening. Condescending, critical or offensive talk does nothing good for a person, it only brings them down. This scripture calls us to build each others up, to be encouraging, to be the light of the world. The benefit of this type of talk is friends around us who are more confident due to the way we speak about them, it also helps them walk into their destiny proud of their faith and confident in our God.
The flipide of this scripture, is that encouraging words will only benefit those who listen. If you are wanting to encourage or bless someone who doesn't want to hear your words (think evangelical context), you are probably going to have to use more than words, you may have to take action to show people your heart for them.
On a different note, criticism is still an option, but only if it will build someone up i.e. constructive criticism. Criticism that hurts someone without picking them back up is actually of no benefit to them and you're only going to do damage. So how to give constructive criticism? I find that the Plaster+Stab+Plaster technique is very effective. What this means is first deliver someone a peice ofpositive encouragement (Plaster). Then tell them what needs to be fixed and remember to offer a solution (Stab).Then follow it up with another peice of encouragement or praise (Plaster). This technique often leaves the critqued person feeling positive instead of sour about the criticism.
God Bless,
AtrimArchaenas
No comments:
Post a Comment