Words Can Build Up or Take Down

Laestadian Lutheran
Feb 15
2 min read

Brendan Johnson | The Shepherd’s Voice Feb/Mar 2026 - Home and Family Article –

“Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones”

– Proverbs 16:24, NIV

When I think back to my younger days, I remember a lot of teasing – some of it good-natured, and some that crossed a line. There can be a place for friendly joking among friends, but sometimes teasing goes too far. When it does, someone ends up getting hurt, even if it isn’t obvious right away.

I often found myself teasing others because I would get attention or laughs from my buddies. At the time, it felt harmless – even funny. When I offended others, I would play it off like it didn’t bother me, but that wasn’t really true. I would lie in bed at night and remember what I had said.

Sometimes those matters didn’t get taken care of, and I would feel them on my conscience for weeks or even months afterward. At other times, God gave me the strength to ask forgiveness from those I had offended, and those matters were truly washed away.

“Believe your sins forgiven in Jesus’ name and blood” are the most gracious words I’ve ever heard.

It’s good to remember that we don’t always know what others have experienced before or what hurts they may be carrying with them. Just as unkind words can linger, words spoken in kindness and care can also stay with a person for a long time, strengthening and encouraging them in ways we may never fully see.

Things to visit about:

Can you think of a time when someone’s kind words stayed with you or strengthened you? Why do you think they mattered?
It’s good to remember that we don’t always know others’ sensitivities or struggles. How does this help us choose what we say to others?
What does Jesus teach us about how to treat other people? What have you learned about this at home and at Sunday school?

HOME AND FAMILY ACTIVITY

Words that Build

Created by Ruth DeLacey

This activity works beautifully in families, and also with cousins, friends, or classmates. It can be a meaningful addition to a birthday party, holiday gathering, or any time people come together.

Goal: To practice using kind words that encourage, strengthen, and help one another feel loved and seen.

What you need:

Sticky notes or small pieces of paper
A pen or pencil for each person
Optional: envelopes (one for each person)

What to do:

Give everyone several sticky notes.
Think about each person in the group, one at a time.
On separate notes, write words that build – kind things you notice, appreciate, or are thankful for. This can be one word (like thoughtful or kind), or a short sentence (like I like it when you play bump with me).
Put the notes into envelopes labeled with each person’s name, or stick them on bedroom doors, mirrors, or another special place.
Take a moment to read the notes meant for you.

Afterward: Talk together about how it feels to read words that build.

Did any words surprise you?
How did they make your heart feel?