Positive Communication

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

─ Ephesians 4:29

Darla stood on the curb outside the baggage claim, watching for Cassidy’s car. When she saw it, she waved excitedly, not wanting her sister to miss her. Cassidy pulled into the loading area and quickly jumped out to give Darla a big hug and help her load her luggage.

“I’m so excited to finally get to visit you,” Darla said. “Even if it’s just over the weekend.”

Back behind the wheel, Cassidy whipped her car back into traffic. Immediately her tone and body language changed. She began to spout off negative comments to the other drivers, running up dangerously close to their bumpers and slamming on her brakes.

Darla frowned. “What’s with the road rage? You’ve never been like this.”

“These people are crazy,” Cassidy replied. “They make me so nervous. I hate driving in this city.”

This wasn’t a good look on her sister, so Darla tried to calm her down. “These people can’t hear what you’re saying. So what’s the point? It’s just making everything inside your car tense. I was so excited to visit you, but now the joy has been sucked out of it.”

“Oh, don’t be silly,” Cassidy laughed.

“I’m not,” Darla said. “I love you, and all this negativity can really ruin your outlook on life.”

Cassidy started to laugh again but frowned instead. “You know, I have been feeling more down lately. I thought it was work, but that hasn’t really changed. Maybe it is what I’m saying.”

What we say, even in the privacy of our homes or when we’re all alone, can have a major impact on our hearts. Scripture tells us to speak words that give grace to those who hear them. That means even if only one person is present, our words should be uplifting and beneficial.

Today’s One Thing

Think of something you’ve gotten into the habit of saying that you know you really shouldn’t say. Then work to break that habit by intentionally choosing other words.

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