"Let no evil talk
come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up..."
What harmonious families, churches, and communities we would
have if we took these words to heart and spoke words that build up and not
words that tear down. We often either forget, or don't really believe,
that we are all members of one another, that we are all the precious daughters
and sons of God. There is something in us that delights in hearing and
passing on gossip, or in making a cruel observation. In this political
season, we're subjected to outrageous claims and distortions, sometimes
bordering on outright lies. This makes good copy for the scandal sheets, but it
only tears down -- people's reputations and people's faith in our institutions.
Not spreading rumors builds up. Saying thank you builds up. Living thankfully
with a generous heart builds up. Be a builder.
