Encouragement to others

 

 

Ephesians 4:29, 30: 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. 30) And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

          Unwholesome talk, could be taken many different ways. And many fight each day to speak positively about people to people. We have opinions of others, but many times our opinions need to stay within us. “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.” Ephesians 4:31 (NIV). As believers growing in our faith, and understanding of the Lord Jesus, our words MUST pass through the filter of the Holy Spirit in us. We must always be aware of the world around us, who, by their very sin nature, listen for words we say to condemn us. To claim we are not as “Holy” as we act.

          “Words from a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but a fool is consumed by his own lips.” Ecclesiastes 10:12 (NIV). So as our understanding expands so must the words we use to express ourselves. The way we treat others will also show our understanding and obedience to the Lord, the one we now live to serve, and please. “But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.” 1 Corinthians 14:3 (NIV). Our words to others must be ones we have learned from Jesus, through our study of His word. By using His words, we are able to uplift others, healing them with the power of the Holy Spirit who is in those words. Christ gave us examples all through the gospels. So in being obedient in our lives we use His words to help others through the struggles that their sin has led them into.

          “They will tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might.” Psalm 145:11 (NIV). As we speak to others, let our words proclaim His love for them, in order that they may come to an understanding of their status as children of God, how their pasts have been atoned for by the death of Jesus. How we, too, were once blinded by Satan’s lies and deceiving ways, but by accepting Christ the burdens of our pasts, that we had been carrying because we were told that they would never be separated from us, have now been laid at His feet. Our sins have been paid for. We are now able to walk upright and tall because the Savior of ALL has taken the yoke of selfishness and self-centeredness off of our shoulders and put on us His yoke of ease. We now are able to boldly walk in the path He designed for us.

          “Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us; We know it by the Spirit he gave us.” 1 John 3:24 (NIV). Again, as we are obedient in the study of His word on a daily basis, the Holy Spirit comes out of us helping those around us.  By its leading, we speak words of encouragement to others. We love others through our actions toward them. We share Christ with others, through our lives. We show others how Christ walks with us and how we look to Him to guide us through the trials and difficulties that come into our lives. We share with others, them how by daily going to God in prayer our hearts are open to listen to His guiding words. And His power gives us the strength to carry out His plans. We show those who are struggling to walk, in darkness, that accepting the power and forgiveness of a loving Father, they can move out of the darkness of regret and into the light of His mercy and grace.