In Ephesians 4:29 we are told: "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."
Just imagine how different our world would be today if we only spoke that which was edifying, that it might administer GRACE to those that hear...
I think it's very interesting that in the very next verse here in Ephesians 4, the appeal is given: "And grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption."
Do we realize how often our words grieve the Holy Spirit...? Do we realize the significance of our words as it relates to our Christian experience, our faith, our relation to others, and most importantly our relation to God and our eternal salvation?
Matt. 12:37 says, "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Of course, we can work hard to change our words, but it's the heart that is the real issue, and our words will not change if our heart is not changed. We may avoid corrupt communication, but if we still have a corrupt heart... if we are still thinking evil thoughts although speaking respectable words, we are still grieving the Holy Spirit.
Ellen Write writes much on this passage, but here's a couple brief thoughts:
Not one word is to be spoken unadvisedly. No evil speaking, no frivolous talk, no fretful repining or impure suggestion, will escape the lips of him who is following Christ. The apostle Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, says, “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth.” Ephesians 4:29. A corrupt communication does not mean only words that are vile. It means any expression contrary to holy principles and pure and undefiled religion. It includes impure hints and covert insinuations of evil. Unless instantly resisted, these lead to great sin. (Christ Object Lessons, p. 337)
As followers of Christ we should make our words such as to be a help and an encouragement to one another in the Christian life. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the precious chapters in our experience. We should speak of the mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of the Savior’s love. Our words should be words of praise and thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation. (Be Like Jesus, p. 95)And there you have it... If the mind and heart are full of the love of God, this will be revealed in the conversation. Let's ask Him to fill our heart with His love!
Tomorrow's Reading: 2 Chron. 24-25, Ephesians 5
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