21 Days to Sweeter FriendshipsSample

Words Make Such a Difference

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29, ESV

Remember the blue character with the floppy ears from the Winnie the Pooh series? His name is Eeyore. Negative. Pessimistic. A downer who always saw the glass more empty than full. Eeyore was sweet, but he was the most unhappy sort of fellow.

Maybe you know some real-life Eeyores. I sure do! I think of a trio of ladies I knew in a former church as I’m writing this. To talk to them was to feel like someone put a wet blanket on top of you. Negative, critical, and discouraging. Their words and their attitudes always brought you down. Walking away from a conversation with these ladies actually made you feel good again.

On the other hand, I go to church with a man named Ray. To see him is to be greeted with a smile, a handshake, and a kind word. Ray always makes you feel encouraged and uplifted. His words build up! Maybe that’s why he stands at the front of the church—as the first contact for all people to encounter when they visit our fellowship.

Our words make such a difference. We must honestly consider how the things we say impact others. Do our words tear down or build up? Do we inspire others, or do we deflate them?

May the words of Ephesians 4:29 be said of us; that we build up, use fitting words, and give grace to all who hear us speak.

Prayer – Lord, would you help me use my tongue and my words for good? I want to honor You and honor others with every word I utter.

Reflect– Consider your words and conversations over the past couple of days. Who have you talked to? What did you talk about? Were your words encouraging or discouraging? Is there anything you wish you had said or had not said?