Cultivate a Mouth that Motivates

Ephesians 4:29 – “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”

Have you ever had a conversation with a friend or trusted leader and walked away refreshed, encouraged and empowered? Those are the best conversations! But many of us have also had to endure some conversations that left us feeling drained, discouraged and hopeless. In light of today’s verse, this is a good time to evaluate the words that come out of our mouths. Do our words build up the people around us, or do they tear them down?

The Apostle Paul gives us some wise guidelines:

• Don’t let any unwholesome (foul, profane, worthless, vulgar) words ever come out of your mouth.
• Only use speech that is good for building others up.
• Speak according to the need of the listener, as fits the occasion.

Then, your words will be a blessing to those who hear you speak.

In this era of smartphones and social media, we’d do well to take this advice to heart and apply it to the words we type out as well.

If the message you’re typing isn’t going to encourage the other person, perhaps you shouldn’t press ‘Send’. Take a minute to collect your thoughts and say a quick prayer before you post something you might regret later on social media. Let the Lord guide your thoughts and speak life through your words – both online and offline.