Good morning. Could you use your imagination to go with me this morning to a special place? This special place is one where the words we speak are the foods and nutrition that affect other people.
Words of harsh criticism will strike that person down and starve them.
Words of encouragement will fill that person up and strengthen them for whatever is coming next.
Hateful words will turn that person’s stomach and ruin their appetite, causing them to turn away from anything else you may have to say.
Words of gentle instruction are the vitamins needed to ward off sickness.
Words of thanksgiving are like a tasty desert bringing joy into a dull day.
Words that are judgmental are like a piece of meat that is too tough to chew.
Words of love are like a well-balanced diet, preparing that person to live, and to love, and to grow.
If such suggestions seem a bit silly, please read this verse from 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.
That verse is not a reminder, nor is it a suggestion. That verse is voiced as a command from God’s Word that perhaps should be considered as we go about our dealings with others today.
Vern