No Excuses in Relationship with Others

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up…”
(1 Thessalonians 5:11, NIV)

Have you ever heard a kid on the playground say, “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me.”?

This vicious lie is impossible to believe, for we have all been wounded deeply by something said to us. You don’t have to be with people very long before you hear mean put-downs, biting sarcasm, or a condescending remark—often from a “friend!”

Our words can also have a powerfully positive effect on people. We can help people tremendously with just a few thoughtful words. A kind word at the right moment can make all the difference in their world.

It is easier to be negative and critical. When we speak like this, we often push others down just to lift ourselves up. Insecurity and selfishness combine to result in poisonous, destructive words. This is natural for all of us, but as members of God’s community who are filled with the Holy Spirit, we can speak differently. Here are some ideas to help you be more encouraging:

• Think before you speak, and bite your tongue if you’re going to say something negative.
• Catch people doing something right and tell them.
• Look deeply to offer more than a superficial compliment. It’s easy to compliment someone’s clothes or hairstyle; try to offer more substantial encouragement that reflects their character.
• Help people overcome their struggles. Your encouragement might make the difference for their success.
• Use less sarcasm, especially around people you don’t know very well.
• Watch your criticism; make sure it really is “constructive.”
• Be careful how you compliment yourself—sometimes we tear others down accidentally when we talk about our own accomplishments.

 

No Excuses Challenge

Today is a day to be completely POSITIVE. Everything you say today is to be positive. You are the new and improved 2.0 version of yourself. If you find negativity creeping in, return to today’s verse and let it reset your hard drive.

“Several excuses are always less convincing than one.”
Aldous Huxley