Day 13 - The Belittling Tongue

Day 13 – The Belittling Tongue

“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.” Eph 4:29

Do you know how people feel when they leave your presence? Do they feel inspired, encouraged, comforted, and uplifted? Do they see hope? Or do they feel a disappointment to you, never meeting your expectations, only hearing admonishment and rarely hearing praise?

When someone else speaks of another person and gives that person praise or commendation—do you agree and celebrate or do you make a disparaging remark to build yourself up? We are to encourage one another and build each other up!

How do you use the tool of your lips? Do you hammer, pound, and tear down? Or do you build, create, and deliberately create beauty with your mouth? Pegues suggests that during a tongue fast, you act like a cheerleader or coach to family, friends, employees, strangers, even enemies. Instead of not saying anything at all—say some thing uplifting or encouraging.

How many of us have encountered someone who others deemed “low performer”, “not worth it”, “set in their ways”, etc? I know I have and with some clarity, encouragement and the tools to perform most of these people soared! They may not have become the CEO or an Olympic athlete but these people find their “gift” (everyone has one) and were able to use that energy to affect the home, the workplace, the community in a positive way.

Affirm those in your sphere, lift them up! Praise them, not what they do—tell them that they, the person, are a perfect gift from God given to fill you with joy.

Affirmation: No unwholesome talk comes out of my mouth, only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.