Encouraging Words

Watch much of today’s entertainment, and you’ll see it right away: criticizing each other is practically a national sport. But this great pastime of slinging insults doesn’t translate into the family well, even when done in jest. If we are tearing each other down, we are missing a huge opportunity to build each other up and thus strengthen our family.

The impacts of our words are amplified when it comes to our kids and how beautiful for them to hear good things regularly about their parents. When kids are told they are little copies of their parents, it is reassuring to see that their parent is worth emulating.

Comments to our kids like “Your dad is such a dork” or “You’re being a diva like your mother” undermine the foundation of your family’s love and respect for each other… and, ultimately, your child’s sense of self-worth. Your view of your spouse is key to building your children’s perspective of them.

You can remind your kids regularly, “Your dad is so cool. He makes everything fun,” or “Your mom gives so much to us. She’s amazing.”

While most of us find uplifting words for the occasional pillow talk in the dark, we need to make it a daily habit. We must hold in check our sarcastic humor, sharing in gossip about our spouse’s faults, or complaining about their weaknesses to others.

Stop all your dirty talk. Say the right thing at the right time and help others by what you say.

Ephesians 4:29 (CEV)

This week’s Scripture verse talks about helping others, building them up, and strengthening them by using our words. How amazing that we contribute to creating a strong, loving family simply by watching our tongues!

We can ask God to help us see the daily opportunities we have to build each other up with our encouraging words. The practices of a strong family are the culmination of these little, everyday moments.

PRAY

Lord, forgive me for using destructive words about this incredible family you have given me. Show me how to build them up, and please strengthen our love for each other. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): What do you love about your mom and dad?

Apply: Consider having a regular time when the whole family takes a minute to encourage each person in the family.

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Proverbs 16:24

Galatians 6:7-10