Build one another up

I enjoyed having a guest writer so much, that I decided to ask another friend if she would write a post. She sent me back a post that is very good and practical. We all need to be reminded how much impact we can have with our words. Be challenged.

Words, they seem so innocent and harmless. Yet they are one of the most powerful things in this universe. They have the ability to tear down and to build up. There’s an old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is anything but true. For some, words can be far more painful then physical abuse. Most people do not realize what kind of impact saying something hurtful can have. People may not remember exactly what you say to them, but they will always remember how it made them feel.

Ephesians 4: 29 says “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” We as humans have the ability to control our words. We get to choose whether or not we want to use our tongues to be a blessing or a curse. You should be using your words to build people up and show them they are worth something. Even little things like, acknowledging people, calling them by their names, asking them how they are doing and really meaning it can make such a difference. Don’t be afraid to compliment people. It’s only awkward if you make it awkward. Think about how it makes you feel when you’re having a bad day and someone says something that shows you that they really care. Even something as simple as asking you if you are okay means so much.  The bible says, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up” ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:11  Now I’m not just talking about people you know. Acknowledge people wherever you go. At the checkout line in the grocery store, people you walk past on the sidewalk. Don’t be afraid to give a smile and a cheerful greeting. Who knows, you might just make their day.

There was a girl that I used to go shopping with all the time. She was more often then not very rude to the people who worked at the stores. If they were not meeting her every need she would get upset. When I confronted her about it, she told me “Well that’s what they’re paid for.” So many Christians think that way nowadays. This is not the right mindset. Our mindset should be, “ as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.” ~ Luke 6:31 Even if the person is getting paid, it doesn’t give you an excuse to not treat them like Jesus. They are still people that Jesus loves and we need to love them too. So you decide, it’s your choice. Are you going to shine the light of Jesus with your tongue?

Naomi Joy Geiger