Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
People of God, take a moment to reflect on the words that have proceeded out of your mouth this week. Have your words been edifying or contaminating? Have you used your words to build up or tear down? Have you imparted grace with what you have said or brought disgrace through careless words? Remember that as Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, not troublemakers! We can easily tear down what took years to build because of corrupt communication – careless words spoken in the heat of the moment. Wars start because of words – in homes, marriages, communities, between tribes and nations – yet peace comes through careful dialogue and negotiation.
It’s time to discern before you dialogue! As a child of God, weigh your words because your words carry weight. Think first before you speak because foolish thoughts are not worthy of words. Not every thought deserves a voice; sometimes silence is the wiser choice.
What is the source of careless words, corrupt communication? The heart is the depot of your words. Ask yourself: what picture of your life have you been painting with your words? Because with your words you are constantly painting a public picture of your inner self. If you speak negatively, it is because your heart is that way. Your daily conversation is a clearer revelation of who you really are.
If, upon reflection today, you have realised that the words of your mouth have reflected the corrupt meditation of your heart, it’s not too late to change. Strike the root of that problem by edifying your heart with God’s Word while closing your ears to the contaminating words of the world.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, give me the grace to weigh my words and be careful not to bring disgrace by foolish words but to impart grace to the hearer through fruitful words. In Jesus’ name, amen.