Build Others Up

Date: March 14, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – Ephesians 4:29

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."

Listen for God’s Voice

Heavenly Father, this is such an important verse that helps us remember the power of our words. Help us to be mindful of the impact our speech can have on others, and do our best to use our words in a way that is uplifting and constructive… not destructive.  Give me wisdom and guidance when communicating with others, whether it be with our voice or our fingers as we type the words.  May our speech be a reflection of your love and grace at all times. In Jesus name, amen. 

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

The apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Gentile believers in Ephesus who had turned away from their pagan beliefs and had embraced Christian life. He wrote it while in prison in Rome around 60-62 AD.  Paul’s purpose in writing the letter was to encourage the believers to live in a way that is worthy of their calling, to be humble, gentle, patient and loving to all. He also emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth in love and avoiding speech that is harmful or negative. 

Study and Savor – Key Words

"unwholesome talk": This phrase refers to speech that is corrupt or morally bad. Paul is cautioning believers to avoid using language that is harmful, negative, or that tears others down.

"what is helpful": This phrase refers to speech that is beneficial, useful, or edifying. Paul is encouraging believers to speak in a way that is constructive, helpful, and that builds up others.

"building others up": This phrase refers to the idea of edification, or the process of strengthening, encouraging, and supporting others. Paul is emphasizing the importance of using our words to help others grow and flourish in their own lives.

"according to their needs": This phrase highlights the importance of being aware of the needs of others and using our speech to meet those needs. Paul is encouraging believers to be sensitive to the unique needs of each person and to use their words in a way that is tailored to those needs.

"benefit those who listen": This phrase underscores the positive impact that our speech can have on others. Paul is reminding us that our words have the power to encourage and support others, and that by using our speech in a positive and constructive way, we can help to build up and benefit those who hear us.

Summarize and Share

What a powerful reminder of the importance of our words and the impact they can have on others. As Christians, we are called to be aware of our speech and to use our words in a way that builds up, encourages, and supports others. This is so important in today's digital age, where social media platforms provide a powerful platform for our words to be seen and heard by a wide audience.

It's easy to forget that the things we say or write on social media can have a lasting impact on others. We may think that we are just expressing our opinions or venting our frustrations, but in reality, our words can hurt and damage others. We never know who might be reading our posts or comments, and how they might be affected by what we say or write.

Because of this, it is so important that we are careful with our words and think before we speak or write. We should ask ourselves whether what we are about to say or write is helpful, constructive, or useful. If not, we should consider holding our tongue or finding a more positive way to express ourselves.

As followers of Christ, we are called to love one another and to build each other up. This means being careful of the impact our words can have on others and using our speech to bring encouragement and support. Let’s be cautious in our speech and our social media use, and seek to use our words in a way that reflects the love and grace of our Savior.

Bible Cross Reference

Colossians 3:8 - "But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips."

James 3:9-10 - "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be."

Proverbs 15:4 - "The soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit."

Matthew 12:36-37 - "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."