Speaking to One Another

The Scriptures address how we speak to one another by revealing two categories of speech: one to be avoided, and one to be pursued. (1) Don't speak to one another in these ways: Don't chew one another up (Gal. 5:13-15, 26), don't spit one another out (Rom. 14:10-13), don't tear one another down (Col. 3:9, James 4:11, James 5:9). (2) Do speak to one another in these ways: Teach and admonish one another (Rom. 15:14, Col. 3:16, Heb. 3:13), encourage, exhort and build up one another (1 Thess. 4:18, 5:11, Heb. 10:24-25, 3:13), and confess your sins and pray for one another (James 5:16).