No malicious words will come out of your mouth, but only good words, capable of edifying and doing good to your listeners” (Eph 4:29)
We already know that, clothed in Christ, we become “new men, created in the image of God, in true justice and holiness” (cf. Eph 4:24). The first consequence of new life is the practice of virtues , exercising them in a way that brings together all Christians by the sacrifice of Christ. This work of evangelization is strictly linked to happiness, charity and, above all, love. In this step, we are not always required to do great works, but it is important to be attentive to the moments of sadness that involve those who participate in our daily lives, always showing us willing to help them. Sao Paulo, in the letter written to the Ephesians, teaches: “No malicious words will come out of your mouth, but only good words, capable of edifying and doing good to your listeners” (Eph 4:29).
Illustrative photo: Milkos by Getty Images
And so we can do small works of evangelization , only with words of victories, which are often lacking in the lives of our brothers. Being with the next, it is necessary to be a true presence, especially in a social moment when smartphones steal all our attention. To be, in fact, with the other, is to disconnect from one’s own problems, from the interferences of the internet and television, and listen to what the other tells us from the heart. With that, the right words will come to us and we will be messengers of happiness.
On the other hand, it is necessary to pay attention to words that sadden and hurt. Sometimes, the hustle and bustle of our daily lives leads us to choose wrong words, especially when, inattentive to the feeling of the other, we do not interpret the moment with due respect and make jokes, jokes or little case of the subject. In this situation, we miss the opportunity to do good. Therefore, may the lesson of São Paulo always be with us, so that the words that come out of our mouths always build up.
Pope Francis teaches us: “Mercy also has the face of consolation. ‘Comfort, comfort my people’ (Is 40,1) are the sincere words that the prophet makes to be heard today, so that a word of hope can reach those who are in suffering and affliction ”. Planting words of victory in your life and the lives of others is easy only in theory. In practice, there are several situations that make it difficult to hear and say these words of consolation.
May God enlighten and guide us, so that we are able to be a true presence that keeps us away from distractions. So that the words of comfort and victory are clear to us, becoming messengers of victory to comfort others in times of difficulty. Soon, you will acquire the necessary serenity to listen in times of difficulty for others, in addition to finding true friends , who will listen and advise you, following your own example. So be it!
