Building Each Other Up

Recently I was reminded of our memory verse from our recent worship series “The Power of Words”.
“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.” (Isaiah 4:29, New Revised Version of the Bible).
Another verse that came to mind in this incident is “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace,
forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23a, New
International Version of the Bible)
So what made me think of these verses? Recently some ladies from the congregation were at Sharon
and Richard Early’s home working on crafts. I came late, very late, to the gathering (in time for snacks
though! 😊)
As the last group of people were leaving I was walking to my car with Karen Bolz. Karen noticed a cat
near a car that was getting ready to back out. In order to make sure the cat was safe, knowing cats
don’t like loud noises, I told the driver, Wanda Kanitz, to honk the horn. She did, because I asked.
Meanwhile, Karen bent down and called the cat – the cat came.
As I reflected on that incident I get upset with myself. That poor cat didn’t need the car to honk to be
safe. In the same amount of time I was rude and loud, scaring the cat, Karen showed ‘love, kindness
and gentleness’ to the cat while making sure it was safe.
It made me think about the times I have done the same with my words. Yes, there have been times
when I have been rude and my words have not ‘shown grace’. Often I realize it only later – like I did
with the cat. I am working on those times becoming fewer and further between.
When discussions get intense, personal and deal with a change I tend to not use words that build
others up. During those times I tend not to show “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,
faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.” The image of Karen bending down and petting the cat is
one I hope I remember in those times.
I wonder if I am the only one who doesn’t always show those qualities. Dare I write I doubt it? I am
thankful that God forgives me for those times – I hope we forgive each other, even as we are striving
to live with ‘love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and selfcontrol’
and use words that build each other up.
See You Sunday!
… Pastor Jackie Roe