Say Only What Helps:
Howdy friends,
I’m certain that we can all identify with the pressures of life and daily choices.
And so today, I want to explore and settle a communication controversy.
Just think of all the lives we could impact through our conversation.
At home.
With those we are frequently in the company of.
At work.
With colleagues at coffee break.
At school.
With mates in the lecture room.
At play.
With rivals in the competitive field.
At church.
With brothers and sisters in the wider family.
At community.
With those we meet occasionally.
In reality and virtual reality.
With friends and associates near and far.
Sadly though, from time to time we could face persuasive and subtle blandishments.
Whether written or spoken, some words can come over as loud, confused or empty talk.
Sometimes those words can be silly connotations.
Characterized by a lack of clarity or distinctness.
Rather like those comments thrown below the belt, those sexist remarks, or those racist undertones to name a few.
Now don’t get me wrong and don’t misunderstand me.
I love a good laugh.
When it comes to having a good laugh I’m at the front of the queue.
Yet I examine myself here.
I make an effort to give thought and care to what I say.
It’s so easy to be sucked in.
But I know how far to go to avoid careless banter.
I realise that even when some words are meant as a harmless joke, for some those words could cut deep.
It only takes one small word to trigger a sudden outburst.
We can turn a heart by the words we say.
Now I know some may think I’m a sensitive soul.
Well maybe I am.
But as followers of Jesus we should set the tone.
Everything we say should be kind and well thought out.
Everything should be sound, whole and healthy.
In light of this, let’s watch the way we talk.
Let nothing tainted or tasteless come out of our mouths.
That kind of talk does not fit our style.
Say only what helps, each word a gift. .
Come-on!
Don’t say anything hurtful.
Don’t be highly offensive.
Remember, good talk is as gratifying as a good harvest.
Thanksgiving should be our dialect.
So watch what God does, and then do it, like children who learn proper behaviour from their parents.
Add flavour.
Speak words of life.
Shape culture and society.
With beauty and dignity.
Let love be our response.
Be infected with hope.
Say yes to the God of encouragement.
If this message has encouraged you in your own spiritual journey, please click the recommend button found before this post.
Thank you.
David Prince: Full-time Husband To Rachel – Writer Of Stuff – Receiver Of Grace – Drinker Of Tea – & Hearty Neighbour.
Committed to loving God and loving people.
E-mail david@newday-prince.me.uk.
Proverbs 4:24
Proverbs 15:4
Proverbs 18:8
Proverbs 18:20
Ephesians 4:29
Ephesians 5:1
Ephesians 5:4
Colossians 4:6
1 Peter 3:15
God’s Word Translation.
International Standard Version.
The Message.