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What we say matters

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All of us have something to say.

That doesn’t mean that everything we have to say is always good.

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 ‭NIV, emphasis mine)

We live in a culture that increasingly encourages us to “speak our truth” and tell others what we think. But the Bible is clear that the words we speak should build others up and should meet their needs so that they would benefit.

Ask yourself this question: are others better because I’ve spoken? So often, I think we feel better because we got something off our chests, but I’m not convinced that others are better after our tirades.

[Tweet “Are others better because I’ve spoken?”]

Today, put your words through the Ephesians 4:29 filter before you let them pass through your lips. Are my words helpful? Will they build the other person up? Do they address the other person’s needs? Will they benefit the one I’m speaking to?

If the answer to any or most of those is no, perhaps your words would be better left unspoken.

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July 23, 2021by Paul Jenkins
Written by Paul Jenkins
Paul Jenkins is lead pastor of The Gathering, a community church located in beautiful downtown Albemarle, North Carolina. He's the author of God is My Air Traffic Controller and My Name's Not Lou. Paul is passionate about his wife, his 3 children, running, reading, coaching, leading people who are following Jesus, Swedish Fish and the Carolina Panthers.