Eph 4:29a Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths….
I used to think it was good for me to vent a bit if something got me riled up, but the older I get, the more I realize that for me, that is not an effective strategy. I once thought of venting as releasing steam—releasing pressure before I blew. Now it seems more akin to striking a match to dry kindling—instead of helping me regain perspective, venting seems to get me more wound up and angrier, which isn’t good for anybody.
Eph 4:29b …but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs….
My physical reaction to my own negativity is startling to me. My breath becomes shallow. My heart rate quickens. My voice volume gets louder. Sometimes my hands shake. Just writing about it is causing the same reactions. Conversely, when my intention is to build others up, my heart rate and breathing both slow. My anxiety decreases. It makes me feel good, light and positive, when my goal is to build others up.
Proverbs 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
Lord, Thank You for this day and for the timely reminder that I am in control of my thoughts and my words and that they have tremendous power to build up or to destroy. Help me to steady my mind and heart on You. Help me to strive to lift others up and encourage them. Draw us all closer. Amen.
1 Thess 5:11 Therefore encourage and build each other up, just as you are already doing.
Have a blessed day.