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
I didn’t grow up in a home where foul or abusive language (or corrupt, as some translations say) was used. However, the second part of this verse is ingrained in my mind, as God has used it frequently through the years, sometimes daily, to correct how I use my words. God has been very patient with me, but even in the hard lessons, He has faithfully forgiven me, stuck by me, and trained me for righteousness. You see, it’s always been easy for me to get caught up in conversations without considering whether my words are “good and helpful.” So, Paul’s lesson to the believers of Ephesus has been God’s lesson to me more times than I can count – and I encourage you with the same: Be purposeful when you speak so that your words are an encouragement to those who are listening – not just to the person you are speaking to but to “all who might hear them.”
Let everything you say [be good and helpful], (so that) your words will be an encouragement (to those who hear them.)
Ephesians 4:29b
The Importance of Encouragement in the Believer’s Life
Encouragement makes it easier to live in a fallen world in a holy way. Encouragement makes it easier to love as Jesus loved (see John 13:34-35). Encouragement gives hope (Romans 15:4). Encouragement helps us through times of discipline and testing (Hebrews 12:5). Encouragement nurtures patience and kindness (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Galatians 5:22-26). Encouragement makes it easier to sacrifice our own desires for the advancement of God’s kingdom. In short, encouragement makes it easier to live the Christian life.
Without encouragement, life would soon feel pointless and burdensome. Without encouragement, we can be overwhelmed by the very real pains of our lives. Without encouragement, we feel unloved. Without encouragement, we begin to think that God is a liar or is unconcerned with our welfare. So, the Bible tells us to encourage one another, to remind each other of the truth that God loves us, that God equips us, that we are treasured, that our struggles are worth it.
Encouragement from the Bible gives us the will to carry on. It is a glimpse of the bigger picture. It can prevent burn-out. It can save us from believing lies (“sin’s deceitfulness”). Encouragement helps us experience abundant life (see John 10:10).
Gotquestions.org
Friends, my prayer for all of us is to not only encourage others faithfully but to listen for/to the encouragement others are speaking to us. – Mefromthensideout 🦋
Reflection: Who can you encourage today? What are some encouraging words someone has spoken to you?
The More We Know
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen and slow to speak …
James 1:19a
Me From the Inside Out 