Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29 (NLT)
To encourage is to give courage.
To give courage, our words must be both good and helpful.
Who are we to encourage?
Those who hear our words.
I’ve always taken this to mean even those who are not even a part of our conversation but are within hearing of our words.
Okay, why am I pulling this thread?
In recent week’s, we’ve been ordered to shelter-in-place for the purpose of stopping the spread of Covid-19.
Wow! I’ve been amazed by the controversy.
I’ve also been sad to hear all the reports of increased domestic violence during this time.
Why are people hurting the very people they’re supposed to love? I’m guessing there are a couple of base level reasons.
1-life feels scary and/or out of control, and
2-aggressive words and behavior give them a feeling of control
Of course, we all know abuse is not control.
Self-control is the ultimate control.
Jesus-followers have an advantage when it comes to self-control. It’s been given to us in full measure.
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NLT)
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT)
What’s the catch? We must take the self-control given to us and use it! And…
We practice, practice, practice using our self-control every single day of our lives!
My old piano teacher used to say, “Practice makes perfect when you practice right.”
So, although I’m not abusive with my words or deeds, I am asking myself what kind of word usage I’m practicing.
Where are my thoughts? I need to know the answer, because my words and actions will soon follow the direction of my thoughts.
LORD, thank You for giving me everything I need to successfully live the full and abundant life You created me to live. Help me be intentional about my thoughts, so my words will bless all those who hear them. I ask alongside David…
May the words of my mouth
and the meditation of my heart
be pleasing to you,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14 (NLT)
And, LORD, for those reading this today, I ask You to surround them with Your presence, power, protection, provision, and peace. May they see evidence of You this day. May they know You are there and really do care about them. Amen.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, a Division of Tyndale House Ministries, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Yes, this is truly a time of testing for both the speaker and the listener. Our thoughts are so consumed with the concerns of the day it becomes hard to slow down and run them by Jesus first. Thank you for this reminder to check my motive and tone when speaking. I appreciate your insight!
I’m a little behind on my reading, but how timely as I have such mixed emotions about reopening. I have tended to respond to others statements and opinions that I other wise would have let go. In those responses, I want to be doubly sure that my motivation and tone are one of love and that I reflect Jesus!
Cindy, Thank you for reading my words and encouraging me with your words! Have an amazing and miraculous day!!!
Amen and amen!!! Thanks Barb!