Even as the words float off the end of my tongue, I realize I blew it. This kind of situation usually involves my saying negative words to teammates or others. It’s easy for me to become the cut-down king. It doesn’t take much—maybe just calling someone a name. Other teammates usually laugh, but those reckless words cut. They pierce like a sword and cause damage. Playing the cut-down game means going with the flow. I realize now that I want to play the BUG.

Instead of playing the cut-down game, God desires us to play the Build-Up Game. It takes effort and doesn’t come naturally. But when it’s played, it is awesome. It blesses so many people. A friend of mine once said that everyone in the world is under-encouraged, and I agree! I ask the Lord to show me ways that I can encourage teammates, friends, family members, and even people I don’t know. I want to build others up and show love through my words. I believe that the tongue can heal. Are you ready to play the BUG?