“Don’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.”
Ephesians 4:29
Words are powerful. God tells us to use language to build people up, not tear them down.
Teachable Moments
1. “Cheer”ful Words—As a family, come up with catchy cheers for praising God. Also create a personalized, encouraging cheer for each family member.
2. It’s All in the Delivery—When speaking, watch your tone and delivery. Say some words short, or staccato, and draw out others. You can also vary the volume. These changes will keep your words interesting to children and just plain fun.
3. Sign Up—Children love to learn sign language, so use motions to reinforce Bible lessons. Check out a library book or video about sign language. Learn how to sign phrases such as “Jesus loves me” or “Jesus is our healer.”
4. Out-of-This-World Names—Help children come up with creative names for God that describe what he’s done for us, such as heart-fixer-upper, happily-dappily-loveful, sunny-joy-rageous.
