INTENT is usually IRRELEVANT.
EXPLAINING sounds like BLAMING.
I’m so SORRY.
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
CONVERSATIONS are CONSTRUCTION sites.
WORDS are the building MATERIALS.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
The tongue has the power of life and death…
Encouragement: To infuse someone with courage, strength and support.
How to become an ENCOURAGER?
- Spend TIME with JESUS & in His WORD.
Matthew 12:33-37 (NIV)
“Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit. 34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. 35 A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. 36 But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
- GUARD your HEART.
Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)
Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.
John 6:33-35 (NIV)
For the bread of God is the bread that comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 “Sir,” they said, “always give us this bread.” 35 Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.
- SPEAK words of LIFE.
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
You can’t BUILD others up if you’re BITTER.