How To Build One Up!
"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your
mouth, but what is good for necessary
edification, that it may impart grace to
the
hearers."
Ephesians 4: 29
The Greek word for “edification” comes from
two other Greek words: the word
for house
(oikos) and the verb to build (doma). When
applied to a person,
the word is rendered in
English as “edification”.
How do we build a person? First, think of how
we'd tear down the person. By harsh criticism,
negative comments, discourage or disparage
words. So how would we build up a person?
By encouraging words, helpful acts, motivational
or nurturing speech—according to needs of the
moment. A goal to “impart grace to the hearers,”
which means to benefit the person rather than
corrupt the
person.
When constructing a building, parts are added:
lumber, bricks, wire, plumbing, paint, and more.
Each part plays a role. Speech does the same
adding a timely and beneficial word that adds
to a person’s growth
and development.
Look for opportunities every day
to impart grace to someone
using
timely and beneficial words.
"Whatever moves the
heart wags the
tongue."
C. T. Studd
