Sharpened Together - Week 15

Key Scripture: 
Ephesians 4:29
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.

The most powerful tool we possess isn't in our garage, our gym, or in anything we own. It’s right under our noses - our words carry immense weight. But knowing how and when to speak is rarely black and white.

This particularly became a point of focus when I found myself being challenged. It became known to me that someone I knew and cared about was pursuing a lifestyle that was incompatible with wholeheartedly following God.

I wrestled deeply with how to respond. Blank acceptance didn't feel right, nor did being harsh or hardened. I had also realised that I didn’t have the kind of relationship to have a natural platform to speak directly into their life.

How do you approach a situation like that?

I figured if I was going to get into trouble for either going too hard or being too kind, erring on the side of kindness was the better option: to value the life God made and wants to save.

There are other situations where we do have the standing, the history, and the relational credit to guide, challenge, or even confront someone. It requires discernment as to what is appropriate.

If we want to lead well with our speech, we have to recognise what the situation demands, moving between two vital modes:

1. Championing What is Good
Paul wrote: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up" (1 Thess 5:11).
It helps to encourage those things that are good, the things you’d like to see more of. Noticing when someone makes a wise decision, shows integrity under pressure, or does the hard yards behind the scenes—and letting them know.

2. The Art of Courteous Challenge
When we do have the relationship to offer correction, how we do it matters. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us that "a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."

We can think that being blunt, sharp, or brutal is okay. However, scripture shows that being restrained is better.

Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt."

When you have the standing to provide a challenge, do it privately, calmly, and with the clear intent to really help. A wise reproof, delivered with genuine respect and courtesy, is something the wise will welcome.

Ephesians 4:29:
"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."

Let’s be men whose speech can act as a healing medicine. Let us look out for people doing something well & find ways to encourage them.