First Do No Harm
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 NAS
Words have such power. Proverbs tells us that death and life are in the power of the tongue. (Prov.18:21) Our words can give strength, or take it away; they can bring healing or they can cause the hearer to become sick at heart. There is a creative force in words: the Lord SPOKE, and the world was created. We are made in the image of God; we are wise to remember that creative force, and be sure we use it for blessing, and not destruction.
Romans tells us that faith comes from hearing, and hearing the word of God. (Rom. 10:17) When others tell us that we can do something, eventually, we believe. On the other hand if all we ever hear is that our dreams are improbable, impossible, and are sure to fail, our faith withers, especially if that prediction comes from those we look up to and admire.
How very important it is then, that we should ON PURPOSE use our words to build up, not tear down. Taking every opportunity to speak kindly and remind each other of the Lord’s faithfulness, speaking His wonderful promises to each other rather than our own opinions, which is vanity. One thing I try never to do is to carry unwholesome comments, or derogatory remarks back to the people they were spoken about. There is no point in this, and if fact we are better friends if we let those remarks die in our presence, never to be repeated.
On the other hand, if I ever hear of someone being complimented in a conversation, I make note of it, and will share that compliment the next time I see that person. I have seen many downcast expressions change to first surprise, then a kind of embarrassed happiness, to think that others had spoken so kindly of them.
We have so many people, from all walks of life and backgrounds, in our world. Some are doing well, and thriving. Others are struggling to hold on with their last bit of strength. Each time I have a chance to speak to someone, I ask the Lord to take charge of that conversation. I ask Him to give me HIS words, words of life for that one. As I open my mouth I keep in mind these words: First, do no harm.
~ Debbie Ecker
