Word Builders

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

EPHESIANS 4:29

HAVE YOU EVER SAID something mean that you regretted? Maybe you lashed out and said words that you knew would really sting the person.

Why do we do that? A lot of times we say mean things because we’re angry or hurting and we want others to feel as badly as we do. After we do, though, we pretty quickly realize that we don’t feel any better. We just feel worse.

Our words are powerful. We can use them to build other people up—or to tear them down. Jesus tells us to love our neighbors, and tearing others down doesn’t really fit that. If we’re feeling bad enough inside to lash out at someone, it’s time to talk to God about it and ask for his help. He can show us how to handle our anger and sadness without hurting the people around us. And if we’ve said mean things to others, it’s important to go to those people and apologize. We can’t see the real effect our words have on others, and sometimes the bad feelings can last for years.

The next time you’re tempted to say something mean, instead take a deep breath and hold it. Say a quick prayer, asking God to replace those mean words with something that is good and loving. When those helpful words leave your lips, you really will feel better.

DO

Think about a time you’ve said mean words to someone. Maybe it’s a family member or a friend you argued with. Why do you think you said those things? Have you apologized? Why or why not? Can you apologize now? How can you stop yourself from making that same mistake in the future?

PRAY

Dear God,

Thank you for giving me words to express myself. Please remind me that the words I say to others should build them up and not tear them down. Remind me to stop and pray when I’m tempted to lash out at others. Amen.

READ

Proverbs 12:18; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29