Gracious Words Vs. Destroying Words

Chrissy, Katie and I are reading through, Lies Young Women Believe: And the Truth that Sets Them Free.  They have an online website where you can sign up to receive daily devotionals.  They cover all the topics in the book as well as some cutting edge headline news stuff!  About a week ago, the authors of the website spent several days discussing the topic of Homosexuality, from God's perspective.  It was well written.  If you want to check them out, click here: http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/

 

Even though most of the topics are written from a gal's perspective, Truth remains Truth.  So guys, check it out too!

 

Today's Devotional thoughts: "The Power of Encouragement" was excellent! 

 

We've all heard the saying, "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."  Kinda rings true for all of us, right?  Except, we should purpose to say things that build each other up.  Not in an inflated sort of way, but in a way that makes that person a better person for knowing you.  All our conversations should encourage us deeper in our love for Jesus and for the good of each other.  Gulp.  All.

 

When you think about this, it doesn't rule out having to confront people or talk about unlovely things when it is necessary.  But, what it does do is cause us to search God's Word and "speak the truth in love."  Even the hard things, when spoken in love, will have a way of building another up.  Be careful that you don't try to be the Holy Spirit.  Our jobs are not to convict others, but to reflect Jesus, His love, His grace and His mercy.

 

Here's what King David had to say about God's Word and our words...

The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults. Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins; Let them not rule over me; Then I will be blameless, And I shall be acquitted of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer.  (Psalms 19:8-14)

Here's what the Apostle Paul had to say regarding what we say and "outsiders" (unbelievers)....

Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving; praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak. Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity. Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. (Colossians 4:2-6)

Check your words (and speech) this week...do you build people up or tear them down?

 

Here's the Devotional from LYWB's website:

 

Copied from here: http://www.liesyoungwomenbelieve.com/index.php?id=622

The Power of Encouragement

posted by Lindsey Wagstaffe on 11/22/10

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. —Ephesians 4:29

Building Up

I was working at my computer desk when Mom entered the room, carrying something under her arm. When she laid it in front of me, my eyes widened at the sight of the bag. It was small, it was green, and it was emblazoned with my favorite emblem: B&N.

Earlier in the day, we had been discussing a subject that she knew I was passionate about. As we talked, she made a mental note to stop by Barnes & Nobles to purchase a book on the topic for me. The inside cover was filled with her slanted hand, taking gracious note of improvements in my character, encouraging me to stay the course, and articulating her confidence in God's purpose for my life. I was teary at the end of it.

That day, I had been feeling overwhelmed and incompetent for the tasks ahead of me. Mom's words accomplished a powerful three-fold effect: I was inspired, convicted, and motivated at once.

That was three years ago. I haven't re-read it since, but I remember the content of the letter perfectly.

That's the power of encouragement.

I have to ask myself: If the effect of encouragement upon me is so profound, why aren't I utilizing this power more in the lives of others?

Tearing Down

Criticism, unlike encouragement, is reflexive for me. On any given day, anyone who really knows me (especially my sisters and parents) could fairly point out a dozen of my sins, faults, and weaknesses. And on any given day, I could just as easily expose their sins. For some reason it feels necessary to point out the obvious—

You're in an awful mood.

Stop being so rude.

Someone's grumpy today.

Little comments. Yes. But I've been thinking, what's the root heart condition behind all unloving criticism?

Pride.

Jonathan Edwards nailed me:

"The spiritually proud person shows it in his finding fault with other saints... [he is] quick to discern and take notice of their deficiencies."

Then he goes on to repeat 1 Peter 4:8: "Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins."

On this verse, Matthew Henry commented, "The eminently humble Christian has so much to do at home and sees so much evil in his own that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts. Pure Christian humility causes a person to take notice of everything that is good in others, to make the best of it and to diminish their failings."

It's so simple. Encouragement stems from a humble heart; criticism stems from a proud heart. When I'm viewing myself rightly—through the lens of the cross—my pride is forced to wither on the spot. And as we receive His grace, the overflow of our hearts—our words—will naturally give "grace to those who hear" as well.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Are you more quick to point out the sins of fellow believers or to notice the fruit of the Spirit in their lives? Why?
2. Practically speaking, how can we become more encouraging? What methods of encouragement have you found especially powerful?
3. How does focusing on the gospel change our pride?
4. What keeps you from encouraging others more often?

--
Mary E.Hickcox
www.CalvaryBaptistSM.org
http://mary-neotes.blogspot.com/