Use words that encourage others

January 21, 2019 | 14 comments

“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, NLT

14 thoughts on “Use words that encourage others”

  1. Our words represent who we are…how we live and how we believe… Our representing God would demonstrate purity of thought and God’s love

  2. Yes. I was Just thinking how yesterday, after church in the Reading Room, I was praising the children for their moments of being kind, and playing quietly and creatively and sharing. On other days I haven’t spoken so gently,, (Come on, guys, it’s a Reading Room!) and there was a sense of hurt feelings and sullenness. But yesterday there was a wonderful atmosphere of appreciation for themselves and for each other when I appreciated them so thoroughly, and told others about it.

    Everyone has good to magnify.

    “How gentle God’s commands, how kind his precepts are…”

  3. Expressing Jesus “new” commandment when he asked us to love each other is an imperative. We have to use loving language to follow his command or God’s first commandment. Thank U, Evav as always. All have a blessed day!

  4. That would include body language! Watch those little signs of irritation, annoyance, impatience, Etc. Purity of thought is purity of expression.
    Didn’t Jesus say it’s not what goes into a man’s mouth that defiles….

  5. Another translation of Eph 4:29( ERV)
    When you talk, don’t say anything bad. But say the good things that people need–whatever will make them grow stronger. Then what you say will be a blessing to those who hear you.

  6. Good morning dear Evan and loving group. What a powerful verse. It is as simple as powerful. It also reminds me of the phrase “Very sweet life if we always speak with kindness when we speak” … without doubts it is like that. What a wonder it is to work on that and what a joy to see the receptivity of our neighbor … Happy week to all.

  7. Thanks to all. And if confronted with abusive words it’s wise to remember “A gentle answer turneth away wrath.” (Can;t remember the exact quote!) It works most times, and, if not, that’s okay. It’s more important what WE think, say and do, not the other person.

  8. Brings to thought the beautiful words of Hymn 315/316 in the Christian Science Hymnal, written by David Bates:

    Speak gently, it is better far
    To rule by love than fear;
    Speak gently, let no harsh word mar
    The good we may do here.

    Speak gently to the erring ones,
    They must have toiled in vain;
    Perchance unkindness made them so;
    O win them back again.

    Speak gently, ‘this a little thing,
    Dropped in the heart’s deep well;
    The good, the joy that it may bring,
    Eternity shall tell.

    Thank you, Evan, for this important reminder.

  9. Very true. Sometimes I am accused by fellow workers that I do not address some of the rudeness I encounter. But I do address it by acknowledging their unhappiness and going for the best in people and it usually resolves itself.

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