As followers of Christ, we are charged with the delicate skill of building each other up. However, it is sometimes much easier to let our words boil from our hearts like a jackhammer, pounding mercilessly in the ears of others. But what if we approached our speech with the tender touch of a carpenter, using our words to craft something beautiful and build up those around us?

Jesus, the Carpenter’s Son, understood this gentle art. He spoke with a tenderness that calmed storms and welcomed little children. His words were like warm embraces, proclaiming good news to the poor, liberty to the captives and oppressed, and recovering of sight to the blind (Lk.4:18). Let us learn from His example and follow the path of the Builder, using our speech to B.U.I.L.D. bridges of understanding and fortresses of peace.

B – Bless Others with Uplifting Speech “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

U – Understand Needs and Offer Timely Encouragement “The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary.” (Isaiah 50:4)

I – Inspire Peace through Diplomatic Words “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

L – Live Harmoniously by Cultivating a Peaceable Attitude “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” (Romans 12:18)

D – Demonstrate Grace and Wisdom in Speech “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)

As ambassadors for Christ, our words carry the weight of reconciliation. With each utterance, we have the power to tear down or build up. Let us choose the gentler path, the path of the Builder.

Will you, my friend, use your words as instruments of peace to construct something magnificent for the honor of Christ our Lord, the Master Builder?