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backtothebiblebttb2
Back to the BibleJul 27, 2022 12:00 am GMT

Watch Your Mouth

 

July 27

 

Read Ephesians 4:29-32

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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

 

Reflect

How have you seen words tear people down?

 

I’ve seen some posts on social media that said, “I love Jesus but I cuss a little.”  Apparently, you can find this slogan all over from coffee cups to T-shirts. Now, I am not trying to be legalistic. But it seems like some Christians are taking something lightly that we were advised to steer clear of. Does cussing hurt anyone? Maybe or maybe not. It depends on how it’s used. But Paul says that we should only have talk come from our mouths that “is good for building up” and “gives grace to those who hear.” I have been challenged lately to watch my mouth to ensure that my speech is constructive. If I am talking, my words should serve the purpose of building up. They should edify, encourage, and instruct. They should always be full of grace.

 

It’s not just cussing or filthy language that we need to be aware of, though. We need to be aware of what is in our hearts. Matthew 12:34 reminds us that the mouth speaks whatever the heart is full of. That’s why Paul says to put away bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice. If we are harboring these in our hearts, they are going to spill out at some point. Most likely in the form of hateful, hurtful words that are aimed at the people around us.

 

When kids say cruel words on the playground and bully others with their speech, it is a heart issue. When someone speaks bitterly to a friend, it is a heart issue. When a co-worker seeks to slander or smear the name of another through gossip and lies, it is a heart issue. When you scream and yell insults in anger at anyone, it is a heart issue.

 

Remember, Paul has been saying that we should put off our old selves. If your old self swore like a sailor, that is not consistent with your new life in Christ. If your old self gossiped and spread rumors, that is out of character with the heart of Jesus. Put all corrupt, offensive, and pointless speech far from you and focus on speaking out of the kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness that you have received from Christ.

 

Pray

Jesus, put a guard over my mouth. I only want to speak words that serve a purpose. I want my words to glorify and edify You. Please forgive me for speech that hurts others and doesn’t honor You. Amen.

 

~ Pastor Nat Crawford

 

 

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home.solutions2007
10 months ago
I need this reminder. It's easy to slip back into old behaviors. I guess this is a reminder that if angry words are spilling out of our mouths, we need to examine our hearts. Jesus told us clearly we are to Love God and Love others. If we walked in the shoes of that person we want to attack or slander, would we see them differently. God loves us in spite of our failings & gives us so much grace. Can we do that for others?
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Andrea
10 months ago
Lord I pray that the words that comes out of my mouth will glorifies and honor you
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J
Judith
10 months ago
Amen
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N
Charlie
10 months ago
Thank You Lord for this family! Help us to love our enemy because we want to be
like You. Help us Lord to take the deep dive into the Holy Spirit of God and purify
our souls in Jesus name. Amen.
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D
David
10 months ago
Lord Jesus, You are the example that I hope to emulate in all of my ways. And just as You extended words of kindness, encouragement and love to all, Help me Lord to speak as You spoke. Help me not to offend with my mouth. Amen.
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