Building Up or Tearing Down?

“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.”
Ephesians 4:29 (New International Version)

Words are powerful! In the beginning, God spoke and things happened. He said “Let there be light,” and there was light. Our words are also incredibly powerful. With the simple rush of air over our vocal chords and out of our mouths we can either speak words of blessing and encouragement or we can speak words that curse and destroy. By our words we are either building each other up or tearing each other down. Benjamin Franklin said, “Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do.” Ouch! Let’s not be fools! Let’s choose wisely to build up the people in our lives…especially our children! Let us bless them each day!

Beautiful Savior,
My heart’s desire is to build up! Build up those around me, in my home and whom I come into contact with. Give me ears to hear You and a heart to speak only when You desire and what You wish spoken into each circumstance, so that other’s are built up according to their needs and that it benefits those who listen. Amen.

Living it Out!
Ask yourself before you speak, “Will what I’m about to say build this individual up? Am I speaking into or calling out the greatness that God has planted within them or am I merely criticizing, complaining or condemning?” If you’re criticizing, complaining, or condemning, don’t speak.