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“When you talk, do not say harmful things,
but say what people need — words that will help others become stronger.
Then what you say will do good to those who listen to you.”
{Ephesians 4:29, NCV}
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What People Need . . .
When I read the news, a familiar pang resounds. There’s so much sadness, so much sorrow. Then the pendulum swings wide in other media streams. There’s so much controversy, so much contention.
I understand the need for quality news reports and sound journalism. And I understand the need to talk about hard things. There’s an appropriate time and place for all of these things.
But what people need most is the rawness of truth coupled with the softness of grace.
For it’s in this sacred place, where truth and grace reside together, we become stronger.
And that’s what people need most — words that make them stronger. We can overcome the loud with Light. In whatever sphere we find ourselves in, we can choose words that encourage, words that build up, and words that bring together.
Our words can either bring together or tear apart, and here in this space, we want to purpose our words for bringing people together.
Because we’re better together.
Denise,
Wise words this morning! I really pray that I will get better at weighing my words before they tumble out of my mouth. I have been deeply hurt by words and I know the damage they can do. As you said, there is a balance between the rawness of truth and the softness of grace. Praying my words would be grace-filled so that they might build others up and bring God glory.
Blessings this Sunday,
Bev
Confirmation! I just talked about this yesterday. Thanks for allowing God to use you!
Denise,
Praying that God will put His hand over my mouth to make me think–really think before I speak. Want to speak words that edify and build people up not tear them down!! Yes there are times you might need to speak truth, but do so in a nice calming manner with words of tenderness!!!
Have a blessed Sunday! 🙂
Denise, I am so glad for these confirming words today! This week I have
been in much prayer asking the Lord about this balance. A couple of very close family members have voiced to me a dissatisfaction with the way I communicate and/or receive criticism or advice. It has been said that I can come off like I’m lecturing rather than compassionate. Or, that I display defensiveness when criticized. I confessed that I do feel defensive when criticized and want to respond to criticism with a right attitude. The hard part is that these who are telling me of my faults don’t seem to have much patience, tenderness, compassion and grace toward me. So, isn’t this where I must take up my cross and bear the weight of this painful reality? That I am to repay evil with good.
I hear the Lord telling me to tell truth with tenderness, give correction with
compassion and bear pain patiently. I know in myself I cannot do this. Also
today, in listening to a sermon about sharing the gospel with others, I was
reminded that if my heart isn’t first “stirred up with affection for Jesus”
through worship, I will come off cold, condescending and superior. The
difficulty I face is that I am with a health condition in which attending
corporate worship causes disabling symptoms. Oh how I long to be free to
worship together with other believers again! Please pray with me in this. And in the meantime, here in my home I will continue to seek ways to stir up my affections for Jesus in this solitude worship, because I do want to adore Him more and more. May this growing adoration for our Lord then overflow into my conversations with others! My prayers for those commenting here in this as well!!
Amen!
Denise, I’m teaching a 9-week session about walking along side the hurting woman in the FB group Women Leading Women. This is exactly part of the message I’ve been sharing. It’s good to hear someone else say it! Thanks!