If we’re going to do what Scripture teaches and use words for building up, we need positive examples to encourage us.
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.
We have no shortage of examples in our day of people using words to tear down others, to put them down, to disparage them, to disrespect them. This sort of thing is all over social media, of course. But, increasingly, it’s common in face-to-face conversations as well. If we’re going to do what Scripture teaches and use words for building up, we need positive examples to encourage us.
These days, it would not be hard to find lots of examples of people doing the opposite of what Ephesians 4:29 urges. If you spend only a few minutes on any major social media platform, you’ll find plenty of rotten language, ample cases of people using words to tear down others. Increasingly, this sort of thing happens, not just in digital communication, but in face-to-face conversations as well. It can feel pretty discouraging, I must say.
But, every now and then, you’ll witness exactly what Ephesians 4:29 comments. I’d like to share with you an example of someone using words to build up others. This example made a strong impression on me and I want you to know about it.
You may be familiar with Dallas Willard. He was the author of some outstanding books on the Christian life.
Dallas was able to benefit others through his speech even if they were not well educated. He had no need to show off his learning. He was committed to communicating clearly and kindly.
During one of his lectures at the church, Dallas asked if there were any questions. A man in the back raised his hand. I knew this man slightly. He was one of our homeless neighbors who lived near the church, someone who was surely mentally ill. He asked Dallas a question that embarrassed me because it was so inappropriate and, I felt, dishonoring to such a fine teacher as Dallas. But Dallas did not seem the least flustered. He looked squarely at the man and framed an answer that was utterly respectful, utterly kind, taking seriously what the man had tried to ask. I was stunned and ashamed. Whereas I had judged the homeless man, Dallas used his words to build up this man, to honor him and respect him.
As I reflected on how Dallas had treated the man with the awkward question, I thought two things. First, that is just like Jesus. Dallas isn’t just teaching us about Jesus. He’s acting like Jesus. Second, I thought, I want to be like that. I want to be like Jesus, too.
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