Controlling the Tongue
Isn't it amazing how the Lord is so consistent to provide a kick-in-the-pants or encouragement from his Word just when we need it. I mention this because just this past Tuesday I had been thinking back over my day as I drove home from school and it scared me to think of how many times I let words out of my mouth that I regretted saying. At dinner the Lord then prompted my father to read Ephesians 4 which in verse 29 states "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."
Paul first warns against corrupting talk and then gives the three criteria for determining what we should speak of. These criteria are :
- when our speech is for building up or encouragement
When I step back and take captive the things I say I have found that many of them are degrading and not encouraging. A lot of the time I think that I am just joking and "being funny" but no matter who they are and how much they do or don't know you, no one wants to constantly put down whether it is just joking or serious. The question I need to ask before I speak is "Is this good for building up?".
- when our speech fits the occasion or is appropriate
I have lately been doing a great job of saying things before I think about them and then eventually letting something really stupid things that not appropriate for the occasion slip out. I find I am most prone to this when I am tired and lazy in my speech and muddy in my thinking. Prayer is always the answer.
-when our speech imparts grace to those who hear it
This seems to echo the first point in saying that our words are to be the exact opposite of negative and degrading but rather give grace. Imagine that, not constantly trying to be funny and get a laugh at another's expense but rather imparting grace through intentional words of encouragement and God's Word.
God's Word is such a precious gift that I know I do not treasure as I should but for which I am very thankful.
Paul first warns against corrupting talk and then gives the three criteria for determining what we should speak of. These criteria are :
- when our speech is for building up or encouragement
When I step back and take captive the things I say I have found that many of them are degrading and not encouraging. A lot of the time I think that I am just joking and "being funny" but no matter who they are and how much they do or don't know you, no one wants to constantly put down whether it is just joking or serious. The question I need to ask before I speak is "Is this good for building up?".
- when our speech fits the occasion or is appropriate
I have lately been doing a great job of saying things before I think about them and then eventually letting something really stupid things that not appropriate for the occasion slip out. I find I am most prone to this when I am tired and lazy in my speech and muddy in my thinking. Prayer is always the answer.
-when our speech imparts grace to those who hear it
This seems to echo the first point in saying that our words are to be the exact opposite of negative and degrading but rather give grace. Imagine that, not constantly trying to be funny and get a laugh at another's expense but rather imparting grace through intentional words of encouragement and God's Word.
God's Word is such a precious gift that I know I do not treasure as I should but for which I am very thankful.
posted by orangelugster at 8:50 PM
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