Words that Give Life

Brothers and sisters,

I want to address something that may seem small, but it speaks to the kind of people we are becoming.

As followers of the Messiah, we do not make jokes about another person’s physical appearance. We do not ridicule, mock, or embarrass people because of how they look. Whether it is someone’s height, weight, age, hair, clothing, disability, or any other physical characteristic, these things are not subjects for our entertainment.
Scripture reminds us that every person bears the image of God. Our words should reflect that truth.

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” — Ephesians 4:29 (KJV)

“Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” — Proverbs 18:21 (KJV)

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.” — Proverbs 15:4 (KJV)

Humor has its place. Laughter is a gift from God. But laughter should never come at the expense of another person’s dignity.

Our assembly must be a place where people feel safe, honored, and valued. Many people carry wounds that we cannot see. A comment made in jest may linger in someone’s heart long after everyone else has forgotten it.

Therefore, I am asking everyone to make this a standard among us: if a joke depends on putting someone else down, we simply won’t tell it. If our words cannot build someone up, they are better left unsaid.

Let us become known as a people whose speech brings life, whose conversations are seasoned with grace, and whose treatment of one another reflects the character of Christ.
Honor is not just something we teach—it is something we practice every time we open our mouths.