– Rev. Rafael Martinez, Pastor of Gibson Memorial United Methodist Church
How much encouragement and joy we feel when around us, we have people who encourage us with their words to continue living our Christian faith with enthusiasm.
In Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians 5:11, he exhorts them to encourage one another “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.”
The words that come out of our mouths can have negative effects on others when those words are not a blessing. When our words express love, support, accompaniment, and endorsement, they not only help to live kindly every day but also have an amazing impact on all our relationships, at home, at work, and in the circles of our friends.
We can all remember hurtful words that have been said to us in the past. Criticism or cruel words we listen to much longer than any other comment. The truth is that words can cause pain, especially when they are spoken by people who mean a lot to us.
So, what happens if we decide to stop talking about others in a negative way? If we avoid criticism, gossip, and hurtful comments? How important would it be if the words that came out of your mouth were “words of life,” words to encourage others and raise your self-esteem and your potential?
I end by quoting the words of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.“
That can have a very positive impact on everyone around you.
I invite all of us to give this a try.