Encourage
I recently listened to CJ’s message entitled “Encourage.” Here are my notes:
Ephesians 6:24
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,”
“Let no” is a command. Corrupt talk hinders cultivation of godly relationships. It penetrates and spreads decay. According to the Savior, every word matters. We will give account of every careless word we speak on the day of judgment. How many of my words are characterized by corrupt talk? Death is in the power of the tongue.
“but only such as is good for building up,”
Edifying words are God centered and cross centered. They are rooted in Scripture. They are not just polite, nice, flattering, superficial words. God is at work in every believer. Most are more aware of sin instead of grace. They are unaware of God’s work in their life. We have the privilege and joy and responsibility to edify and discern how God is at work in others lives. When we identify evidences of grace in others we leave behind a soul that has been built up and edified.
Where do we find evidences of grace? What are they? We can begin by reading the lists of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) and the Gifts of the Spirit (I Cor 12:1-11). CJ says we won’t be able to exhaust these 2 lists in our lifetime as we observe God at work in those we love, serve, and care for.
How discerning am I of evidences of grace? Do I build souls from the usage of edifying words? Normally, when there is an absence of encouragement and edifying words, there is a presence of pride and self-righteousness. Those who are proud are not concerned with others and can be critical. The humble care and want to serve. They have a heart transformed by the gospel. When you examine your words, you’ll discover your heart.
Ferguson said, “Are use of the tongue is an evidence of the condition of our heart. It is the hinge on which the door into our soul swings open in order to reveal our spirit. In effect our words are like so many media people rushing to file their reports on the condition of our soul.” What report do my words file about my soul?
“as fits the occasion,”
We must know, listen, study, and ask questions to someone so we can determine what words are most appropriate for them and what will serve them.
I Thess 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”
“that it may give grace to those who hear.”
This is God’s purpose for our speech. We are all in need of grace. We need to ask the Lord to help us to discern what kind of grace someone needs. Does my family and friends experience grace in and through my words? Does my conversation give grace? Do I give grace in correction? We should never correct anyone without reminding them of the gospel.
Ephesians 6:24
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths,”
“Let no” is a command. Corrupt talk hinders cultivation of godly relationships. It penetrates and spreads decay. According to the Savior, every word matters. We will give account of every careless word we speak on the day of judgment. How many of my words are characterized by corrupt talk? Death is in the power of the tongue.
“but only such as is good for building up,”
Edifying words are God centered and cross centered. They are rooted in Scripture. They are not just polite, nice, flattering, superficial words. God is at work in every believer. Most are more aware of sin instead of grace. They are unaware of God’s work in their life. We have the privilege and joy and responsibility to edify and discern how God is at work in others lives. When we identify evidences of grace in others we leave behind a soul that has been built up and edified.
Where do we find evidences of grace? What are they? We can begin by reading the lists of the Fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) and the Gifts of the Spirit (I Cor 12:1-11). CJ says we won’t be able to exhaust these 2 lists in our lifetime as we observe God at work in those we love, serve, and care for.
How discerning am I of evidences of grace? Do I build souls from the usage of edifying words? Normally, when there is an absence of encouragement and edifying words, there is a presence of pride and self-righteousness. Those who are proud are not concerned with others and can be critical. The humble care and want to serve. They have a heart transformed by the gospel. When you examine your words, you’ll discover your heart.
Ferguson said, “Are use of the tongue is an evidence of the condition of our heart. It is the hinge on which the door into our soul swings open in order to reveal our spirit. In effect our words are like so many media people rushing to file their reports on the condition of our soul.” What report do my words file about my soul?
“as fits the occasion,”
We must know, listen, study, and ask questions to someone so we can determine what words are most appropriate for them and what will serve them.
I Thess 5:14 “And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.”
“that it may give grace to those who hear.”
This is God’s purpose for our speech. We are all in need of grace. We need to ask the Lord to help us to discern what kind of grace someone needs. Does my family and friends experience grace in and through my words? Does my conversation give grace? Do I give grace in correction? We should never correct anyone without reminding them of the gospel.
Please pray for me. I desperately need to grow in this area. Encouraging others, especially my children, is not something that is easy for me. I need God’s help. I want to change.
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