The Manifesto of Faith Ellen Augusta Cooper

           One principle that I hold dear is this; That one should edify others with his words.  Or, in the wise words of Thumper, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” 

            Edifying people with your words does not mean giving shallow compliments or half-hearted greetings, but speaking with love and kindness.  To edify someone with your words, you must be genuine.  This means that you can not talk down to someone (or about them for that matter), but instead whole-heartedly build them up with truths and love.   This practice isn’t something that you go out of your way to do, but rather a constant love for others shown in your words.

            This basic principle of kindness was taught to me at a young age.  My mother would often scold me saying, “Ellen, what does Thumper say?”  As I grew older, though, I learned that a bunny can have some good things to say. 

When people say hurtful things to you, their words can cut like knives, even if no pain was intended.  If you make a constant effort to edify others, you won’t run into the sticky situation of accidentally hurting people’s feelings.  But moreover, it is important to build each other up, not only to be kind, but so that we honor God. ( Romans 14:14-21 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11)