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)
It's easy to fall into a rut spending more time talking about others, their problems and even our problems rather than talking about the magnitude of possibilities that stimulate hope and “minister grace” to our hearers. Ephesians 4:29 is often quoted to discourage bad language, and although there should be no place for bad language in the life of a believer, I believe Paul is talking about something much deeper when he refers to “corrupt communication”. Corrupt communication is dishonest, crooked, and distorted communication. Anything we say about ourselves, others, or the circumstances we see that is contrary to God’s word should be considered corrupt communication. When we say, “God would never forgive me”, that is corrupt, because God’s word says He forgives all your sins. When we say, “I just can’t love that person”, that is corrupt, because God’s word tells us the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts. When we say, “I don’t have enough”, that is corrupt, because God’s word says He will meet our needs according to His riches in glory. When you look at your communication in light of what God’s word says we are all guilty of not trusting in what Jesus has done through His work on the cross and His resurrection. But that doesn’t mean we have to stay that way. We can choose to plant God’s word in our heart and let His Holy Spirit speak to us, guide us, and remind us of Gods perspective instead of speaking from our own. When we view our world from our own perspective, we see everything broken and crooked. But when we view the world from God’s perspective, we see His sovereignty in every situation.
Just like one corrupt file in a computer will prevent an entire program from working until it has been repaired, corrupt words that are contrary to God’s word coming out of the mouth of a believer must be repaired so that we can function properly. God wants us to use our mouths for mutual edification, not corrupt communication. The Lord tells us in Romans 14:19 “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” (NIV) This is not merely a suggestion, God takes our words seriously and so should we. By words the world was formed and by words your world is formed. Have you made every effort in your communication to do what leads to peace and mutual edification? Our conversations should encourage and promote peace and if we will listen to the Holy Spirit, He will prompt us to stop when our conversation takes a turn towards corruption. When someone comes to you and shares their sickness, share your healer! Before you share a hardship or a need with someone take it to God. Then when and if you find yourself talking about it you can confirm it is in God’s hands and encourage yourself and your listener of your faith in God’s ability and willingness to act on your behalf. You can remind yourself and others that you know God has heard your prayer and that you are trusting Him to bring to fruition all the hopes and dreams that He placed in your heart before you were ever born! David prayed in Psalm 141:3 “Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.” (NIV) Ask God to set a guard over your mouth and bring faith and blessing with every conversation, not corruption.
The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, the heart of the wicked is worth little. ~Proverbs 10:20 (NKJV)
What have you been talking about that needs to change?
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