Words that Edify
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of
your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification that you may
impart grace to the hearer.” Eph 4:29
This is a hard verse to follow. It is
easy to think the negative and then speak it. Negativity is
contagious and causes everyone around to be in a bad mood. Kids are
sponges and it is amazing how they pick up on our moods. We as
parents have a lot of influence through what we say to our kids. If
we use bad language or talk down about people they will act the same
way. If we degrade them and tell them, they are they will believe
us. They will start having a negative self image and feel worthless
themselves. If we are suspicious that they are doing something
wrong, it is important not to accuse them. We should ask them what
is going on and even ask details. Their answer may be a surprise.
Then, we can understand the big picture and discuss with them how
they should proceed.
We want to build up our kids and create
ways to make them feel special. One thing I do is give them an
adjective every night about what I think about them. That is the
last thing they think about before they go to bed. They give me one
too and it is fun to create new words to describe the kid that day
and also to hear what they think of me that day. We also have a time
of prayer every morning and before bed at night. That helps us not
to focus on ourselves, but to give our words and actions to God. I
encourage you to find special ways to give your kids encouraging
words. They may not respond the way you want them to, but they will
hear them and the will grows in their minds and hearts.
Lord, You are so good to me. I'm sorry
for my negative language. I don't want to tear down the kids, but to
build them up and edify them. Help me use words of grace, not
judgment. Show me how to teach the kids to have a good attitude and
to be honest and open with me. Help me to take time to listen to
them before I speak and give me wisdom as I respond to their
confessions.
I love you, In Jesus name, Amen
