“What Susie says of Sally says more of Susie than of Sally!”
This quote has circulated across my eye gate a few times, and it is truth. Talking about others in derogative ways is damaging. Jesus would never talk this way to or about someone.
In churches, what is the reason for division? Are new believers stumbling at the conversations of the ‘pillars of the assemblies’? Yes. They. Are. I may not agree with everything, but may I be spiritually mature enough –with God’s help- to take my disappointments to the Lord and/or to the person who has the power to change the problem. I don’t want to be the cause of discouraging any Christian in her faith.
“Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not be so.” –James 3:10
In homes, what words are we imprinting on the hearts of our children? Our family members will be thinking on the words we speak. Could our words be classified in this verse?
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” –Philippians 4:8
We should be careful even in our jesting. Words communicate long after the laugh has covered the humiliation of someone’s joke or sarcasm.
“So is the man that deceiveth his neighbor, and saith, Am not I in sport?” – Proverbs 26:19
In our social networking, do we think before we click submit or post? Are we honest before God and men? Are our words purposeful? Are they idle words? Are they encouraging words?
“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.” – Ephesians 4:29
“Slang and crude talk isn’t cursing.” No, it is just getting as close to the edge of what our culture classifies as cursing. Is that the goal? Or should we strive to speak words just the opposite of cursing… which would be blessing (edifying, graceful, good, ministering)!
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.” – Luke 6:45
What comes out of the mouth comes from the heart. The heart is where it starts. It may be a good time for a heart check. It is for me. ♥ Jeri Lynn