A Day-by-day devotional

January 16, 2023

Build Up or Tear Down?

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Genesis 20-23

Scripture of the Day: Proverbs 6:16-19

A lot of us wait until the Feast of the Magi before taking down the Christmas tree. Still, those who consider themselves busy would actually lull away and wait for motivation to kick in before taking down the tree.

Each and every time I would take down the Christmas tree, even though I knew, I would still be astounded. Putting up a tree and decorating it usually takes me a good 2-3 hours. That, excluding the planning time and deciding what I want it to look like for the year. What took that long to put up, however, would generally take only 15 minutes to tear down.

It kind of reminds me how that compares to our speech. One negative word spoken against or towards someone can break that person apart in a matter of minutes. It entails a lot of effort and energy to boost someone’s morale. It takes sincere encouragement, motivation and assurance to lift someone’s spirit up, enabling the person to see things in a positive light. However, it could only take one harsh or negative word to put that person down.

Sadly, it is with those nearest and dearest to us that we tend not to put a guard with regards to our speech. It is with those closest to us that we often forget to think before releasing the words that comes out of our mouths. We seldom take care of the impact that our speech would have in their lives.

Children need loving words, affirmation and constant assurance from their parents. If these positive and encouraging words are replaced by harsh and negative speech, it could do a lot of damage to their self-esteem. However, it is not only with children that this is true. When an adult hears more reassuring words, they tend to better function in life. Pleasant and kind words bring healing to both the soul and the body (Proverbs 16:24).

Reflection: How difficult is it to speak positive instead of negative words towards those close to us and the people we encounter? What steps could you take to help you guard your speech?

Prayer: Lord God, purify the words that come forth from my mouth. Enable me to speak words of encouragement instead of words that have the power to bring someone down. Help me guard my speech. Amen.