Build Others Up!
Dear Lord, I pray for wisdom for those who build others up. In Jesus’ name, amen.
As a college public speaking teacher, I would use the term “slang alert” for any off-color language. Vulgar slang had no place in a college class, nor does it belong in other settings. Our culture has become very permissive in this area, and in many places civil discourse is reduced to vulgar name-calling. In this case language can be used to ridicule and harm.
The Apostle Paul warns against this in Ephesians 4:29 (ESV) when he writes:
“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.”
He goes on to say in Ephesians 5:4 (ESV):
“Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving.”
Grace and thanksgiving can be used to build others up. Do these and watch what happens.
Tell me what you think in the comments below.
