Flattery or Encouragement

Flattery or Encouragement?

Edification or Destruction?

Words spoken can either build one up or drag one down.

Even in building one up, flattery pumps up the 'self'

While encouragement builds one up spiritually and strengthens the heart.

But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak,

not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know,

nor a cloak for covetousness--God is witness.

Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others,

when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you

not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives,

because you had become dear to us.

1 Thessalonians 2:4-8

For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift,

so that you may be established-- that is,

that I may be encouraged together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me. Romans 1:11-12

A message informs. But when I live out the message and become a part of what I speak 

in relating to the hearers in love, it becomes an impartation! I'm part of it  - Impart.

Teaching the word of GOD, speaking prophetic words as led by the Holy Spirit

and sharing personal testimonies, bring encouragement and

build and strengthen the faith of the hearers.

Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy. For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God,

for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men. He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself,

but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied;

for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues,

unless indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 1 Corinthians 14:1-5

For you can all prophesy one by one,

that all may learn and all may be encouraged. 1 Corinthians 14:31

And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists,

and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry,

for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God,

to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ; that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro

and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men,

in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting, but, speaking the truth in love,

may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ-- from whom the whole body,

joined and knit together by what every joint supplies,

according to the effective working by which every part does its share,

causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Ephesians 4:11-16

To the Body of CHRIST, the Church, the various spiritual gifts are distributed by GOD.

We must therefore recognise and acknowledge this so that we can give to each other and receive from each other and thus be built up together as a wholesome assembly.

Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved,

but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong.

And this also we pray, that you may be made complete. Therefore I write these things being absent,

lest being present I should use sharpness,

according to the authority which the Lord has given me

for edification and not for destruction. 2 Corinthians 13:7-10

The Apostle Paul knew that with the authority given to him by the LORD, he was responsible to firmly correct, rebuke and exhort those in the Corinthian Church. He knew it was better for him to do this in writing rather than confronting them in person with sharp words that would cause destruction to their souls and not edification!

Let us speak the truth in love with gentleness.

But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all,

able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those who are in opposition,

if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil,

having been taken captive by him to do his will. 2 Timothy 2:23-26

Even words of correction should be spoken with gentleness in humility.

Flattery boosts up carnality but encouragement builds up spirituality.

He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; 

Therefore do not associate with one who flatters with his lips. 

Proverbs 20:19 

A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, 

And a flattering mouth works ruin.

Proverbs 26:28 

A man who flatters his neighbor Spreads a net for his feet.

Proverbs 29:5  

Flattery is like a bribe when it comes with a motive,

to please the hearer and to gain something from him.

Do we speak unnecessary words to show off our knowledge?

That would puff us up and also bring disputes.

 Now concerning things offered to idols: 

We know that we all have knowledge. 

Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.
1 Corinthians 8:1

 As I urged you when I went into Macedonia--

remain in Ephesus that you may charge some that they teach no other doctrine, 

nor give heed to fables and endless genealogies, 

which cause disputes rather than godly edification which is in faith. 

Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, 

from a good conscience, and from sincere faith, 

from which some, having strayed, have turned aside to idle talk, 

desiring to be teachers of the law, 

understanding neither what they say nor the things which they affirm.
1 Timothy 1:3-7

 Do we enjoy gossip?

Do we enjoy speaking unprofitable words which lead to disputes and arguments?

Do our words edify people?

Are they in line with our lifestyle?

Does our motivation to teach GOD's word come out of a pure heart of love,

to give people godly edification and to strengthen them in their faith?

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3