Verse of the day: Ephesians 4:29 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.
The command given in this verse should be a “no-brainer” for those of us who know the Lord. Yet, how often do we hear Christians use language and say things that do not honor God in any way, shape, or form? Sadly, some of us have been caught up in conversations where we used the same vulgar language that was being used by those who do not have a personal relationship with Jesus. There are even some born again believers who are flippant about using the Lord’s Name in vain. How do we justify using worldly language and saying things that bring Jesus no honor when we should know that every person will be held accountable for every idle word spoken (Mt 12:36)? In Ephesians 5 we are told that foolish talking, nor jesting, should be heard from the child of God. This is not to say that we cannot have a good time of fellowship with one another, using clean and edifying language; however, too often we offend others and try to excuse what we said by saying that we were just joking. This is especially dangerous when a husband or wife says something that puts their spouse down rather than saying something that encourages, and then attempting to “laugh it off”. To use corrupt communication is to say things that are worthless, evil, depraved, and contaminating, when we are told that our speech is to be seasoned with salt and grace (Col 4:6). The words we speak to one another should be words that encourage and edify where it is needed. We deal with enough discouraging conversations and comments in the world, whether in the work place or in social circles; for this reason we are not to forsake gathering together, so that we can encourage one another by sharing testimony of what God is doing in our lives, especially as the Lord’s return draw near (Heb 10:24-25). How often have we been privy to, or been involved in, conversations that caused us to think about ungodly things? How often has a comment been made about another person of the opposite sex that caused us to have thoughts that were inappropriate toward that person? Our words are powerful, and we know that the tongue is a member that is difficult to control and can cause much strife if not restrained (Jm 3:1-8). How is it that we can be comfortable speaking in a vulgar manner, and “cuss people out”, and with the same mouth give thanks and praises to God (Jm 3:9)? How often do we stop and think before we speak? How often do we consider if our words will encourage the hearer or cause them to think about their relationship, or lack thereof, with Christ? It seems that the worse the world’s language gets, the more acceptable some words become to the Christian. However, what is acceptable to the world should not be our measure. It is God’s Word and His truth that is our measure. Jesus is our Measure. The bottom line is that our language should be far different than the unsaved person uses; and when we have nothing good to say, it is best to be silent. The Word of God is clear that there is wisdom in refraining our lips, rather than sinning with a multitude of words (Pr 10:19). When we consider the fact that in verse 26 of this chapter the Apostle tells us to be angry and sin not; how often do we speak vile words when we get angry? That is why we are told to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger (Jm 1:19). Oh how the Spirit of God must be grieved when we subject Him to some of the words we carelessly speak? How it must grieve Him when we dishonor our Lord Jesus and ruin our testimony because we are not careful with our words. In any given situation we must ask ourselves, “If I could see Jesus physically standing with me, would I still say the things that I say?” “Would I post some of the things I post on social media?” If we are honest with ourselves, we would have to admit that we would say much less than we do, post more things that encourage godliness, and participate in much fewer conversations. Let us seek to use our words to be an encouragement. Believe me when I say that there is not a lack of people, especially amongst our brothers and sisters, who could use an encouraging word or two. Rather than get involved in conversations that have no eternal value, let us find ways to speak the Gospel message to the lost, and speak words of edification to our fellow brother and sisters in Christ; all to the glory of God, so that we not grieve and hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in us.
We are called to tell the world that salvation is a gift of God, and is given to us by His grace (Eph 2:8-9). He extends an invitation to you today to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus in repentance, confessing their sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive Him and His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).
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