Nougat 13

It is good that we refrain from hurtful and abusive language and better that in Jesus, we are striving to ensure that our words help others. There is one more thing – and we read it again in today’s Holy Nougat

“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

What we say is not only good, it is also helpful AS a means of encouragement. If we say good things but it’s not helpful, perhaps we better be quiet (and that’s also a message for myself). And if what we say is helpful (even though true) but not good for the hearing, people will avoid us like Covid-19. That latter case is perhaps the most common reason why some folks are called ‘negative’, ‘goody-two-shoes’ or, ‘know-it-all’. Take it from me, I’m recovering from one of those maladies!

For when we offer critiques, folks find us negative or judgmental. Even when what we say needed to be said a million years ago. (Hence the reminder to ‘speak the truth IN LOVE Ephesians 4:15). These things destroy marriages and friendships. And, when we’re first out the gate, people will either stop talking, or steal our ideas, or both. And that’s no fun either. Notice that Isaiah said Jesus was going to be silent before His accusers (Isaiah 53:7). We have to weigh our words carefully at all times. For as believers, when we open our mouths, we speak both as Christ’s ambassadors and ourselves.

And that’s also why we offer others words of encouragement! Because we are intimately involved with the Blessed Hope of the World, Jesus Christ. Not a hairy fairy, ignore reality kind of Hope. But the One Who offers a more excellent way. He lived our reality and rose from Death to offer us a new way – of Love! It’s because of His love that we can overlook in order to overcome. That we can concede and silence our opinion in favor of someone else’s. That we can speak the truth – with and in Love.

Lord, help us live Your Love.

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May all we seek be found in Christ