Uplifting

 Ephesians 4:29 ESV

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


This verse starts off with a negative. We're not to corrupt people with our speech. This rules out flirtatious language.

The Apostle Paul doesn't just tell us not to do something. He gives us a positive alternative. He commands us to seek to uplift and edify others.

Instead of constantly knocking others down, even in the name of 'banter', we're to seek to encourage others. Often when people know each other well, we talk each other down. We should do the opposite.

Of course, there are appropriate times for rebuke and correction. Yet even these should be done graciously. We're trying to do people good, not to put them down.

'Father God, we praise you for Christ as the ultimate example of edification. In his strength, may we too build others up. In his name we pray, amen'.

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