Some people love to harbor judgmental, critical, and suspicious thoughts about others. Today, in our Daily Devotional for July 17, let’s reflect on the importance of guarding our words and choosing encouragement over judgment.
Daily Devotional for July 17
“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.” – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Guarding Our Words
If you have an opinion about someone, keep it to yourself unless it is encouraging. Instead of gossiping, pray.
How often do you give your opinion when no one has asked for it?
Choosing Encouragement Over Judgment
Because we have God’s Spirit, we can recognize sinful behavior.
Paul told the Galatians to try to bring the sinner to repentance and restoration but to do so in an attitude of humility and gentleness and to “…watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted” (Galatians 6:1).
I would never approach anyone about their sin unless I had prayed diligently and felt the Lord wanted me to speak with them.
Humility and Gentleness
Finding fault with others can cause us to ignore our own problems.
I have known people who were very sinful yet very judgmental and critical of others. I finally realized that they viewed and spoke negatively about others because that kept them from facing the truth about themselves.
Praying for Others
Pray for people to see the truth and be careful about forming and sharing hasty or premature opinions.
When we choose to pray instead of gossip, we align our hearts with God’s love and compassion. We are called to lift others up, not tear them down. Our words should be instruments of healing and encouragement.
Devotional for every day here: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, thank You for the guidance of Your Spirit. Help us to guard our words and choose encouragement over judgment. Teach us to approach others with humility and gentleness, always seeking to lift them up and never to tear them down. May our words reflect Your love and bring healing and encouragement to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
To You
Reflect on how you use your words. Are they encouraging and uplifting? How can you ensure that your speech reflects God’s love and compassion?
My brother, remember to guard your words and choose to encourage others. Let your speech be a source of healing and strength. Amen.
