A recurring theme on this site is one of community. God created us to be a part of a vibrant community of people. If that community is healthy, then one of the priorities will be to build others up. A loving group of people wants to see each other grow in their faith and their gifts and we rejoice when we see them accomplish it. Paul is challenging each of us to be someone who builds others up.
Ephesians 4:29
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.
Our Words Are Powerful
Our words are so powerful. They can build up and tear down in a moments notice. Our words also reflect what is going on inside of our heart. Paul is exhorting us to become people who build others up. We do that by looking out for the needs of other people. We listen for where people are struggling and determine to meet those needs. We are mindful of new Christians, and we make sure that we encourage them and protect them from anything that might jade their faith. We watch what comes out of our mouth because we realize that we are an example.
Get Rid of Unwholesome Talk
A selfish heart looks after their own interests. They don’t look to the needs of others but only to satisfy themselves. Unwholesome talk reflects the sin in our lives. Loose talking and coarse joking can affect a young believers faith. Exaggerating for effect can lower the opinion others have of you. We need to eradicate this from our lives. Start by asking God for forgiveness of what we have said. Next, take our eyes off of what we want and start to look at what others need.
Build Up and Bless
Use your words to build up. Encourage and exhort one another to Godly living. Speak words and wisdom and care into the life of others. When we build others up, we bring significant benefits to our community of believers. It blesses those who are being built up, it provides an example for those who are watching, and it does a work in our hearts that we might not expect, we find a subtle joy in helping others out. Use your words to build others up.
