Speak Only Encouraging Words

“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Ephesians 4:29 NLT

In an article titled “Olympic High Jump Coach Receives 3-Year Ban for Misconduct” published last week, the following was reported: A top British Olympic high jump coach has been banned for three years for misconduct, including mocking a para-athlete, using vulgar language to refer to team doctors, and using inappropriate language toward his athletes. Fayaaz “Fuzz” Caan, who in the 2012 London Olympic games coached Robbie Grabarz to a silver medal, was suspended by UK Athletics shortly before he was set to coach athletes Morgan Lake and Emily Borthwick in Tokyo. Among the charges, Caan faced allegations of fostering bullying within his training group, which he denied. He did concede, however, that bullying between group members had occurred. Additionally, Caan accepted charges of abusive language and impersonating a disabled person. Caan also admitted to using harsh language, including profanity, in the presence of parents, athletes, and spectators and confessed to using similarly colorful language in describing a British Athletics doctor and a team physiotherapist. And while Caan claimed “he lacked support from UKA and faced “extreme pressure” to produce results,” there was zero tolerance for his behavior and the decision cannot be appealed. 

And you know when it comes to zero tolerance of unwholesome talk that only tears people down, the Bible tells us that we are to never “use foul or abusive language.” On the contrary, everything we say should be “good and helpful” so that our “words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” This practice of speaking words that only give support, confidence, and hope to others not only builds people up but sets us apart as believers in Christ and has the power to draw the lost to Him. 

So speak only words of kindness, edification, cheer, and comfort my friend, knowing that there is never a valid reason for doing otherwise. You’ll not only encourage yourself but those around you. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that our words have the power to tear down or to build up, to draw people to You or to cause them to turn away from You. Help us to guard our hearts and mouths Lord so that we would speak only those things that bring You glory. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!