Do I share or remain silent? This is a struggle for all of us. Am I making it better or worse in what I say or do? This question has words of wisdom I received years ago from a wise man. I have often questioned myself on how much I shared. There were times I said too much and did damage.
We live in an era where it is easy to sound off on social media with a click of a mouse, not realizing how insensitive we are. We can easily offend people and damage relationships through communication on an electronic device or from our mouths. What could I do differently to build up others? We need to communicate with discernment.
Joseph Shared His Dream Without Thinking of the Consequences
Like many of us, Joseph did not give much thought to the ramifications of his dreams before he told his brothers. The dream was from God, but the brothers were not in a place in their lives to receive it, causing further damage to their relationship. What if Joseph had prayed about the timing of sharing his dream?
Genesis 37:5 One night, Joseph had a dream, and when he told his brothers about it, they hated him more than ever. 6 “Listen to this dream,” he said. 7 “We were out in the field, tying up bundles of grain. Suddenly my bundle stood up, and your bundles all gathered around and bowed low before mine!” 8 His brothers responded, “So you think you will be our king, do you? Do you actually think you will reign over us?” And they hated him all the more because of his dreams and the way he talked about them. [1]
Using Words to Build Others Up
The words we speak make a difference. Our words can build up others by pouring out love, joy, and comfort and speaking clarity into the lives of others. They can also do the opposite. Ephesians 4:29Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. [2]
How can you build up others around you today by what you say and do? When we receive an encouraging word from someone, it can make a huge difference in our day. A couple prayed over my wife and me and gave us heartfelt words of encouragement that made a significant difference in our lives. The Lord wants to use you to be an encourager of others. Think of those around you that you could encourage. You can be a difference-maker.
Do I share or remain silent? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/refining-josephs-dreams
[1] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Ge 37:5–8). Tyndale House Publishers.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Eph 4:29). Tyndale House Publishers.