“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”
Luke 6:37-38 (Message Bible)
Are you needing a more positive atmosphere at work or in your family? There are three keys in this passage that will change the atmosphere and ignite your relationships.
- Make sure the words you speak build up others and do not tear them down. I like what Ephesians 4:29 (NLT) says, “Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
- “Be easy on people; you will find life a lot easier.” Luke 6:38a (Message Bible)
- When you speak, always speak imparting grace. Colossians 4:6 (NASB) reads, “Let your speech always be with grace, as those seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” And the Message Bible in Colossians 4:5-6 reads, “Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don’t miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech.” The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.