Today’s 333 Devotional: “Proper Communication Within Church”

We are called to bring the good news and to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything Jesus said. It’s called the Great Commission.

The problem I have found, even within myself, is the tendency to do this in a way that tears down. And while we do need to tear down the wrong perceptions and habits, if not the sin of those we encounter so we can build them up in their holy faith, the way we go about it needs to be examined.

In other words, it’s not what we say, but it’s how we say it.

This was Paul’s dilemma when it came to those within the Corinthian church.

“This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority–the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.” (2 Corinthians 13:10)

Paul is now finishing his second letter to the church in Corinth. These were two letters that saw him straightening out the problems and correcting the errors that were happening within the church.

Paul knows the need for correction, for tearing down the lies and sin so prevalent in people’s lives, but he also realizes the need to be building up, for edification.

When we gather, we’re not to tear each other down with our speech. This is what keeps so many away from the doors of the church. Rather we need to be using our words to encourage and edify one another.

Yes, people need to know their sinful condition, but they also need to know the grace and mercy God has extended through Jesus Christ.

The writer of Hebrews tells us our need to gather in order exhort one another, that is, our need to faithfully warn, urge, and encourage, because the time of grace is ending, and the Day of Judgment is approaching fast (Hebrews 10:25).