Careless Words
CARELESS WORDS
Read Romans 15:1-7.
The students at Lakeview Christian Academy looked at each other in disbelief. They had just learned that one of the students had attempted to commit suicide the night before!
“I didn’t think that Christian kids ever got that depressed,” was Susan’s reaction. “Eric knows God loves him. What made him do a thing like that?”
“It’s not that simple,” responded Kevin. “You have lots of friends.” Kevin looked down at his desk as he continued. “I remember when we’d make fun of Eric in gym class. I never thought he took it seriously.”
“But he’s so smart,” emphasized Brad. “Didn’t he know that we all wish we could be as smart as he is?”
“We don’t always seem to recognize our good qualities,” pointed out Mrs. Kelley. “Sometimes our weaknesses seem to get all of the attention.” She picked up her Bible. “As Christians, we have the assurance of knowing that God loves us and accepts us just the way we are,” she continued. “We also have the responsibility to love others the way God loves us. Listen to Ephesians 4:29: ‘Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.’”
Kevin looked up soberly. “I sure can’t say that all of the things I said to Eric were encouraging. I’d like another chance to really be his friend.”
Mrs. Kelley smiled understandingly. “Let’s pray you’ll get that chance.”
HOW ABOUT YOU?
Are you careful about the things you say to others? Sometimes careless words may seem harmless or funny, yet they may hurt others. God wants your life to reflect His love to others. Show God’s love through your kind words.
TO MEMORIZE:
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.
Ephesians 4:29
BUILD OTHERS UP.
From the book
