Build Her Up!

 By: Lauren Thomas 

Ladies, what goes through your mind when you see a beautiful woman? Too often, the automatic reaction is to see that woman as a threat. I’ve seen a video clip of a lovely woman – looking as if she has just stepped out of a 1940/50’s film – walking down a busy street. The video starts with a frontal view of the woman, but quickly changes angles to capture the reactions of the pedestrians walking past her. I noticed that most of the female reactions involved looks of disgust or judgmental appraisal. Yet, the woman was modestly dressed and not behaving obscenely. So why did she elicit such reactions? 

 

Does this sound familiar? We see a beautiful, stylish, or successful woman, and we sometimes feel threatened. Or insecure. Or defensive. And maybe those types of thoughts feel automatic.

But what if next time you saw a woman who intimidated you in one way or another…

 …you identified what you admired about her and genuinely complimented her! Rather than using one of those "compliments" that hide an insult.

…you thanked God for that woman’s successes. Rather than coveting them for yourself.

 …you saw her as a human and sister who might have her own set of struggles. Rather than putting her on a pedestal to vilify her. 

…you spoke generously of her. Instead of cutting her down behind her back in gossip.

You may not have much control over what thoughts automatically come into your mind. But you do have control over what stays there. And you have control over what you do with your thoughts. Instead of letting your thoughts lead you into sin (slander, gossip, jealousy, envy, etc.), take Paul’s words to heart:

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 (ESV)

 

Next time you feel threatened by another woman, do a heart check. Instead of tearing down another woman (and by extension corrupting yourself), build her up! You’ll feel much better that way, I promise! 

 

Reflection:

How does tearing someone down lead to your corruption? See Ephesians 4:29.

Think of at least one woman who you could "build up" this week. How do you plan to "give grace to those who hear"?