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Scripture
Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers (Ephesians 4.29, AV).
Wisdom Story
Edward Steichen eventually became one of the world's most renowned photographers. But he almost gave up on the day he shot his first pictures. At age sixteen Steichen bought a camera and took fifty photos. Only one turned out~one of his sister at the piano.
Edward's father thought that was a poor showing. But his mother insisted the photo of his sister was so beautiful it more than compensated for the other forty-nine. Her encouragement convinced the boy to stick with his new hobby.
Steichen persisted with his hobby for the rest of his life, but it had been a close call. What tipped the scales? The heart to see potential amidst much failure.
Scripture and Comments
St. Paul impresses on the Thessalonians one of the more important gifts we give each other. He writes, "So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing" (I Thess 5.10, NLT).
One means to relieve ourselves of our own emotional struggle is to shift our attention to someone else, to encourage and edify her. The focus on our own struggle can increase it.
This does not mean we are to deny whatever emotional state we are in. We are to be awake to it. Yet we are not to allow ourselves to be overtaken by it. Once we have inwardly confessed our emotional struggle, then, we can choose to direct the mind to gain positive energy. Sometimes the life situation causative of a troubling emotional state cannot at the time be changed, and, thus, the change of focus is all we can do.
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What do we do in this move toward encouraging and edifying of the other person? St. Paul again directs us, "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4.29, AV).
Our words are energies. With them, by speaking or writing, we can relieve our own emotional struggle through the energy of affirming encouragement and edification of the other. When we speak grace to the other, we find the same speech ministers to us.
Suggested Reflection
How does the opening story pertain to the subject of the comments?
Whom might you encourage and edify today, both to relieve your own struggle and minister grace to the other? In what ways can you do that for her?
Have you had a time recently when the Holy Spirit encouraged you through the words spoken by another person? What was that like for you?
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups. He will inform regarding how to receive his other writings or offer replies to comments or questions.
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*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, and their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Clearwater and Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a United Methodist pastor and vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
*Story from Bits & Pieces, February 4, 1993.
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