Ephesians 4: 29, “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.
With all of the hate talk reported in the news and the media, I wonder if Paul was alive today if he wouldn’t send out Tweets and Facebook posts from Ephesians 4:29. He might say something like, “Each word you give to others is a gift – don’t forget the bow!”
Remember when your mother would say to you, when you were a child, “If you can’t say anything nice about a person, then do not say anything at all!” Mothers have godly wisdom. Look at what Paul says in Colossians 3:8, “But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.” There is that word “all” again – all means all! Solomon’s solution for halting angry reactions of rhetoric, is found in Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” I need to remember that better next time I am tempted to yell back at someone whose volume level is raised towards me. Another parallel verse from Paul on this subject, is Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Words hold so much power and influence. They can crush or lift up others.
Think of a time when someone said just the right and fitting words to you on a specific occasion. I can think of a few, and those people have a special place in my memory that practiced Ephe. 4:29 in my life. In particular, one was from our Pastor Todd, when he told my husband and me, “There is always an ending to every problematic situation. This will have an ending.” I still remember that simple sentence. That was part of a conversation that gave us hope and a reminder that God is faithful, which helped us in having courage and strength needed in an unfortunate situation.
So how has God been speaking to you recently? Do you hear words of comfort, guidance, ready defense, grace, and instruction, counsel, or correction, as you have read His Word this week and in prayer, listened to a particular Christian artist’s song, or even through other Christian believers? I like to write down in my journal notebook when God speaks to me from verses popping out off the page, or something from a Christian author’s book I am reading, to reread and remember later. I don’t want to forget what He is telling and teaching me while renewing my mind and attitude (Ephe. 4:24).
To you, my dear reader, you are a priceless gem, and I treasure you!
Words coming out of our mouth need to be given as fitting gifts, so don’t forget the bow!
Listen to Matthew West’s Take Heart