Building Up Our Community
We build from the inside not from the outside. If we want to experience change in our communities, the way we talk to others will make all the difference when it comes time to moving forward in building unity and purpose.
Proverbs 11:10-12 10 When the righteous prosper, the city rejoices; when the wicked perish, there are shouts of joy. 11 Through the blessing of the upright a city is exalted, but by the mouth of the wicked it is destroyed. 12 Whoever derides their neighbor has no sense, but the one who has understanding holds their tongue.
How we talk about the people in our community affects the future of the people we live and work with. Many people point fingers at what others have done wrong and speak down to the very people they say they want to help. Here scripture says, the mouths of the wicked destroy their communities by creating an us and them mentality. What we say and how we say it matters. When we see a problem, we need to choose between fixing the blame on others or fixing the problem with others. People know when they are being spoken down to and they harbor bitterness towards those who speak in the I, me, and my, but when we choose language like we, not me, our community feels heard, included, and valued.
Ephesians 4:29 29 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.
When God moves in a community, He builds a team. The leaders of the team know this and value the people more than the project. Remember, blame destroys motivation while solutions motivate unity in community. So, let’s focus on ideas and language that unites people with projects that will encourage and bless.
How is God asking you to connect with your community to bring blessings? What is the Holy Spirit saying to you through these scriptures?
