"Talking Points"
by Shelly Burke, Editor
“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.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Corrupting talk” is easy to define—gossip, criticism, put-downs, negativity about a person or situation. Unless you’re paying attention to what you’re saying, however, it is easy to slip into the habit of “corrupting talk”, especially if others around you are doing the same thing.
What can you do to avoid corrupting talk? First, pray that God will make you aware of any negative talk before it even comes out of your mouth. As your mother probably told you, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
What can you do if negative talk is all around you?
• Point out the positive about the situation. “This might not be the perfect job, but at least we have jobs!” “It is cold—but at least we’re not having a blizzard.” “I’ve always enjoyed working with he; she’s always very helpful.” “Let’s talk about something positive.”
• Change the subject completely. When attempts at being positive haven’t worked, or an uncomfortable or inappropriate topic is being discussed, a comment like, “How about the Huskers?” usually makes people laugh and breaks the tension and changes the subject.
• Share your values. “I made a resolution to not talk negative about anyone or anything.” “I’d rather focus on the positive.” “There’s so much good in the world and I’m going to talk about that.”
• Hand the person a verse card! Request your FREE verse cards to help you memorize scripture, and share the cards as appropriate (see details below).
We aren’t just to avoid corrupting talk, but to use our words to build someone up. It only takes a few words to build someone up, make them feel valuable, loved, important:
• “Good job!”
• “I’m glad to see you today!”
• “I can see how hard you’re working—and it’s paying off!”
• “It was nice to work with you today; thanks for all your help!”
• “Thank you for showing me how to do that.”
• “It’s fun to be around you!”
• “I appreciate your help.”
• “Good morning!”
• “Would you like to go with us to lunch?”
Talk that “fits the occasion” can be words to encourage, congratulate or express sympathy. If you don’t know what to say, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words; “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us …” (Romans 8:26).
And how can you “give grace to those who hear”? Accept apologies, congratulate others—even if you wanted the job.
Take the high road-- be the first to say “good morning” to someone who is normally grumpy first thing. If someone seems to ignore you or says something that could be taken as an insult, instead of reacting by immediately becoming offended or angry, consider: Maybe the person is having a bad day. Maybe he or she didn’t mean the comment as it sounded (I know I’ve said things to a person and realized that the words did not come out at all as I’d intended!). Either ask the person what he or she meant or, in the famous words from the movie “Frozen”, “Let it go!”
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by Shelly Burke, Editor
“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.”
Ephesians 4:29
What can you do to avoid corrupting talk? First, pray that God will make you aware of any negative talk before it even comes out of your mouth. As your mother probably told you, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
What can you do if negative talk is all around you?
• Point out the positive about the situation. “This might not be the perfect job, but at least we have jobs!” “It is cold—but at least we’re not having a blizzard.” “I’ve always enjoyed working with he; she’s always very helpful.” “Let’s talk about something positive.”
• Change the subject completely. When attempts at being positive haven’t worked, or an uncomfortable or inappropriate topic is being discussed, a comment like, “How about the Huskers?” usually makes people laugh and breaks the tension and changes the subject.
• Share your values. “I made a resolution to not talk negative about anyone or anything.” “I’d rather focus on the positive.” “There’s so much good in the world and I’m going to talk about that.”
• Hand the person a verse card! Request your FREE verse cards to help you memorize scripture, and share the cards as appropriate (see details below).
We aren’t just to avoid corrupting talk, but to use our words to build someone up. It only takes a few words to build someone up, make them feel valuable, loved, important:
• “Good job!”
• “I’m glad to see you today!”
• “I can see how hard you’re working—and it’s paying off!”
• “It was nice to work with you today; thanks for all your help!”
• “Thank you for showing me how to do that.”
• “It’s fun to be around you!”
• “I appreciate your help.”
• “Good morning!”
• “Would you like to go with us to lunch?”
Talk that “fits the occasion” can be words to encourage, congratulate or express sympathy. If you don’t know what to say, ask the Holy Spirit to give you the words; “For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us …” (Romans 8:26).
And how can you “give grace to those who hear”? Accept apologies, congratulate others—even if you wanted the job.
Take the high road-- be the first to say “good morning” to someone who is normally grumpy first thing. If someone seems to ignore you or says something that could be taken as an insult, instead of reacting by immediately becoming offended or angry, consider: Maybe the person is having a bad day. Maybe he or she didn’t mean the comment as it sounded (I know I’ve said things to a person and realized that the words did not come out at all as I’d intended!). Either ask the person what he or she meant or, in the famous words from the movie “Frozen”, “Let it go!”
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To request your FREE verse cards, e-mail shelly@shellyburke.net with your address, or call (402) 750-3496. Suggested donation, $6 to cover postage costs for verse cards for the whole year!
I try to keep this mindset. I simply don't see the point in being negative (and my Sunday school teacher once told me negative talk depressed the angels in my atmosphere). Not saying I always accomplish the goal, but I try. And I have actually had people dislike me because I am too positive. Oh well. No plans on changing.
ReplyDeleteNow, for a copy and pasted message from the A-Z team:
Hi,
I’m just stopping in to say from the AtoZ Challenge. Wondered if you’re still planning on Revealing your Theme on March 23? In case you need to find the Theme Reveal Badge, here’s the link.
http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/2015/02/the-great-and-powerful-to-z-theme.html
Hope to see you on the 23rd!
Thanks for commenting Elizabeth!
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