In a message called #NOFILTER on May 3rd, we talked about the power of words; spoken and posted.

Whether you’re a follower of Christ or not, you need to consider what you say/post because there’s great power in words. If you’re a follower of Christ, God holds us to a higher standard and we need to TWEAK it before we Speak It (or post it).

PROVERBS 18:21 Msg  says:  Words kill, words give life;  they’re either poison or fruit—you choose.

Before we SPEAK IT or POST IT, we need to TWEAK it by asking: Is it filtered with Encouragement?

To encourage means to put courage into others to become all God desires & to hold them accountable by encouraging them to make wise choices.

Accountability works best in a relationship built on trust, but you can encourage anyone with your words (or posts).

 ”…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

I believe Jeff Henderson said most of us give & hear 6 times more criticism than encouragement.

So let’s set a goal to reverse this habit.  Wouldn’t it be fun to see what would happen in our relationships at work, church, family, community and nation if we’d encourage people 6 times as much as we criticize them.

Practical application  This coming Sunday is Mother’s Day.  Why not buy a card or make one & have everyone in your family write at least 6 things they appreciate about mom on the card or on slips of paper and put them in the card.

TWEAK it before you speak it.  Is it filtered with encouragement?