Friday, August 19, 2011

build other people up…

ephesians 4.29 (tev), do not use harmful words, but only helpful words, the kind that build up and provide what is needed, so that what you say will do good to those who hear you.  watch what you say.

when you talk you don’t just say things to build yourself up.  you say things to build other people up.  if it doesn’t build somebody up, don’t say it.  even if it’s the truth, if it doesn’t build up, just don’t say it.  that’s a mark of maturity.

a mature person manages his mouth.  it doesn’t matter how long you have been a CHRISTian, if you can’t manage your mouth, you’ve missed the point.

james 1.26 (niv), if anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.

if i’ve memorized a hundred thousand verses and been through every bible study in the book and go to church and never miss a service but if i’m a gossip, my religion is worthless.  if i spread rumors, it’s worthless.  if i’m always saying things that are not always accurate or exaggerate or speak impulsively, it’s worthless.  the test of maturity is to manage your mouth so that no corrupt communiation, no negative talk comes out of your mouth.

speak the truth in love means the right attitude, the right timing, the right place, the right location, the right motive.  the bible is very practical.  it doesn’t matter how much you know about the bible, if your attitude isn’t like CHRIST’s you’re missing the point.

just a thought from the front porch…

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