Words, Words... they're Good for Your Heart... (or are they?)

First, apologies to those who regularly read this blog (believe it or not, there are a few)... I have been missing in action. My plate is overflowing with work (praise God!): photography, graphic/web design, copywriting, proposals... on & on. All that to say that I am going to schedule to post at least once a week on Crimson on White. What can I say... I'm committed. If I can post more, I will.

Now that that is out of the way, here is the stuff:


Words, Words... they're good for your heart... (or are they?)

Words, words... they're good for your heart, the more you use them, the more you... are likely to sin, or say something totally inappropriate, or 'stick your foot in your mouth,' or brag, or 'blow smoke,' etc. You get the point; they can be damaging. Or, they can be incredible, life-giving & edifying, like a 'breath of fresh air.' I guess what matters is what words you use & when you use them. WORD!

One of the pastors, Craig Cooper, at CCK preached a sermon titled "Encourage One Another Toward Godliness" & he emphasized the power, purpose, & potential of our words. I want to recap some of his points as well as add some of my thoughts on the subject. As a heads up, the good & profound points were likely stated by him not me!

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

Here's the point: Our words should promote joy in/toward others.

Craig offered this definition of Biblical Encouragement: Biblical encouragement is that which instills courage/hope in the heart of the believer in the fight of faith.

Scripture offers a clear contrast on the power of our words:

• Words can either be corrupting or good for up-building
• Words can be damaging or edifying
• Words can either promote strife/trouble or peace/unity
• Our words matter to God & they affect those around us

I paraphrase CJ Mahaney who encourages believers to be "...wisely forbidding any & all speech detrimental to others." As another author said, "Incivility is storming the gates." Wouldn't you agree? It is all too common for us to hear words of incivility that are laced with bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, false report, maliciousness... words that lessens another's esteem or reputation (Eph 4:31). Often we justify our behavior by a 'passive resistance' towards this type of conversation. We refuse to step in & say, "I'm sorry friend, but have you discussed this with _____, I think it would serve you both to speak with him about this." Or, "It sounds to me that you are holding on to some real bitterness in your heart towards _____. You should talk with him privately." Rather, we often are guilty by association or guilty by participation. Gossip & such feeds our ego & spirit of superiority over others. We feel like we now own something over them if we have evidence of their misbehavior, sin, or character deficiencies. It's like a drug.

Yet it doesn't have to be this way. We learn from Scripture the character of God who is One who always speaks in a way fitting for the moment, whose words encourage & build & promotes joy in others. God gives grace to those who hear His voice. As JC Ryle speaks of one whom you'd be "...warmed by their company as though your soul warmed by fire." God's words warm our souls. And our words can do the same.
A few questions for reflection might be:

• What are others most aware of in me?
• Are you more aware of my encouragement or criticism?
  

Every single conversation we have has the potential to give grace to those who hear. What a wonderful & awesome potential we steward! It makes me think twice about what kind of conversations I regular.

Craig offered some clarification as to what biblical encouragement is not; I found this extremely helpful. Biblical encouragement is not flattery, compliments, or kind/polite words. We are thankful for all those things but they are not biblical encouragement. Rather, biblical encouragement is imparting/instilling courage/hope in the heart of the believer in the fight of faith. It is God-centered, revealing God's character, & saturated with Scripture... so that... the person we interact with receives grace. We should point out where God is at work in others. In essence, we can see a spark of God's activity in others & fuel that flame by speaking God's character over that person's life.

Last points of application.

1. Look for God's activity in others' lives.
2. When you see it, communicate it specifically.

I hope that these words give grace to you & encourage you in the fight of faith. Lord bless & keep you, make His face shine on you, the Lord lift up His countenance on you & give you peace.