Mentoring One Another

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.

When I started shopping at a local boutique, I met a group of women ten to fifteen years younger than me. They were a diverse group, some married, others single. Some had kids, others didn’t. But they all had a desire to build community, to encourage and lift one another up.

As I engaged with them, I realized how easy it was to fit into their group because of their welcoming nature. I attended events where the women shared their stories, I followed them online, and I joined groups they started.

I listened to their stories—both the hard parts and the good—and encouraged them to keep sharing and keep honestly being all that God created them to be.

It’s an interesting place for me, now in my forties, having been on the side of being mentored and now also desiring to mentor women coming up behind me. I am grateful for all those who’ve encouraged me—who told me I was capable, worthy, or deserving—and I want so much to offer that same genuine support to younger women.

Today’s Scripture offers guidance for anyone genuinely interested in mentoring others. I’ve read that it takes anywhere from three to five positive comments or experiences to counteract just one negative. That should make us all pause before we speak. Our verse tells us that we should avoid any “unwholesome talk” and instead offer only what is helpful for building another person up.

Does this mean we shouldn’t be honest? Of course not. But even our honesty should come from a place of love and concern for the person, still using our words to build up and benefit one another, even when we have to have hard conversations. There is enough negativity in the world; let’s be intentional about encouraging others.

Kendra

Today’s Act of Gratitude

Use your words to build someone else up.