Ephesians 4:29-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.
Suppose that someone walked up to you to give you the most perfect present, it is something that you have wanted all of your life but never been able to obtain. As you say thank you the giver does not reply with a common "you welcome." Instead they reply with words of hate and abuse. In this position would you even care about the perfect present if it was followed up with damaging words?
Words are a very common theme through out the Bible. God chose to reveal Himself to His people through words. Our influence towards other people comes through our words. So where do our hurtful and kind words come from? Luke 6:45 answers that question-"The good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, brings forth good; and the wicked [man] out of the wicked, brings forth what is wicked: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks." Our words are not where encouragement or hate start. The heart, what we think, how we feel, our attitudes, this is where all things overflow into our words.
James 3:3-5 says "Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4 Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5 So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things." Our words have the power of providing cooperation or division.When a person of influence speaks, people's lives and actions can be turned together in a positive way.
What we say can truly build up, encourage, edify, or heal. Unfortunately our words can also lead people to sin, or they can leave others feeling unwanted or discouraged.
Respond: What do you words say about the condition of your heart? Do you sometimes build yourself up by making other people feel small? Why? How have encouraging words shaped your life? How have hateful words shaped your life?
Reflect: Romans 12:2 "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."
Psalm 51:10- "Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me."
Matthew 15:18-"But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person."
Matthew 12:36- "I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,."
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