Building up

(think before you speak!)

Building up

The news this week brought stories of sports personalities cursing into live microphones (again) and a television anchor verbally melting down on camera (on his first newscast).  We saw persons on both sides of the political spectrum taking advantage of the horrific bombing in Boston to push their policy agendas (surprise, surprise).  Nothing seems to be off limits any more...entire cable channels are dedicated to conjecture and criticism.  The race to be first with the news most often leads to being loud, accusatory and wrong on the facts.

"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

What a difference it would make if everything we said was helpful...helpful to the person we were speaking to, and not merely said to make us feel better.  Helpful talk which goes far beyond the neutrality of civil discourse into the realm of intentional positivity. It's said, for example, that a married couple ought to give each other five encouraging comments for each negative comment; even more if their love language is words of affirmation.  Kids need correction and guidance, but need love and support even more.  Friends and colleagues look to us for help and support not ridicule and sarcasm.  

Why not chart a course away from unwholesome talk and set yourself apart from the world?  Be a builder instead!

Thanks for all you do.

Brian

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Volume 7, Number 6