🕊️ PRAY HERE DEVOTION 🕊️ If You Don’t Have Anything Nice to Say

Scripture:

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NKJV)

“Therefore comfort each other and edify one another, just as you also are doing.”

Devotion: Have you ever heard, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all?”

That saying carries more truth than we realize.

We don’t need to say everything that pops up in our minds. Some thoughts that come up need to be rebuked, not released. Just because you thought it does not mean you should say it.

Now think about this…

How many opportunities do we pass up to say something kind, encouraging, or uplifting to someone?

Today’s scripture breaks it down so beautifully. We are told to comfort and edify one another. That means we are supposed to be people who build others up; not tear them down.

Edify means to instruct, uplift, or improve someone intellectually, morally, or spiritually. In simple terms; it means to build.

Let me give you a real example.

You have a sister in Christ who is trying her best to grow. She may not be where you are yet, but she’s trying. Instead of criticizing her or pointing out everything she’s doing wrong, you say:

“Keep going. I see your growth. God is working on you.”

That one sentence can strengthen her faith, encourage her to keep going, and draw her closer to God.

Now imagine the opposite.

Instead of uplifting her, someone says:

“You always mess up. You’re not really changing.”

That can discourage her, make her want to give up, and even push her away from growing in God.

Your words carry power.

We don’t always realize it, but we can either be part of someone’s healing… or part of their harm.

This is why we have to be careful.

Not every thought needs to be spoken.

Not every opinion needs to be shared.

But every believer should be intentional about building others up.

If what you’re about to say does not comfort, edify, or help someone grow, you might need to keep it to yourself and ask God to purify your heart.

Let’s be people who speak life.

Let’s be people who encourage growth.

Let’s be people who build, not break.

God bless you.

Prayer: Father, help me to guard my words and my thoughts. Teach me to speak in a way that builds others up and brings life, not harm. Remove any harshness, negativity, or unnecessary criticism from my heart. Fill me with Your love so that my words reflect You. Let me be a source of encouragement to others.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.