Quote from Forum Archives on May 3, 2001, 4:06 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

We probably all know that the things we say make a difference, as
well as the things we do. But do we know what the Bible has to
say about this issue, and do we heed its advice? My guess is
that there are times when the majority of us forget this. For
some, it may be a bad habit. For others, we may allow
unwholesome talk to happen when we are tired and frustrated. For
still others, we have not yet learned how to be sensitive about
the things we say and do.

Where does your own behavior fall in this matter? Is this even
an issue? There are a few of us who have really worked on this.
I have done much work in this area, but I confess there is more
work to be done. When I meditate on the things that the Lord
Himself has told me, I am more apt to remember how to encourage
instead of tear others down with my words.

Dear Lord, help me to be more sensitive about every word I say,
as well as the choices I make and the things I do. I confess
that a careless or angry word that I've said can seriously affect
another person, and I have been guilty of this offense against
You. Please remind me of the truth of Your Word concerning this,
and help me remember it, so that I may build others up instead of
tearing them down. Amen.

Brother Brian

Reply-to: Neil Anderson <neilanderson@lists.crosswalk.com>
Subject: Neil Anderson Devotional for Thursday, May 3, 2001
Date: Thu, 3 May 2001 04:01:13 -0400

N E I L A N D E R S O N D A I L Y D E V O T I O N A L
from Freedom in Christ Ministries

May 3

THE PROPER USE OF WORDS

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a
word as is good for edification according to the need of the
moment, that it may give grace to those who hear (Ephesians
4:29).

How do we express our perceptions of people? Primarily by what we
say to them. Studies have shown that in the average home, for
every positive statement, a child receives 10 negative
statements. The school environment is only slightly better;
students hear seven negative statements from their teachers for
every one positive statement. No wonder so many children are
growing up feeling they are losers. Parents and teachers are
conveying that perception every day in how they talk to their
children.

These studies go on to point out that it takes four positive
statements to negate the effect of one negative statement. You
probably verify that finding every time you wear a new suit or
dress. A number of your friends may say, "Oh, what a good-looking
outfit." But it only takes one comment like "It's really not you"
to send you scurrying back to the store for a refund. We affect
others significantly by what we say about them, and what we say
is significantly determined by how we perceive them.

If we could memorize just one verse from the New Testament, put
it into practice and never violate it, I believe we would resolve
half to three-fourths of the problems in our homes and churches.
The verse is Ephesians 4:29. Isn't it amazing that you and I have
the power to give grace to others through the proper use of our
words? If we said nothing to put others down, and only built up
others as Ephesians 4:29 commands, we would be part of God's
construction crew in the church instead of members of Satan's
wrecking crew.

Father, I know my tongue is capable of blessing or cursing
others. Guard my words today so I may edify others through what I
say.

-----------
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