Proclamation:
“Do
not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful
for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who
listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
Explanation:
These
words were written by the Apostle Paul under the influence of The Holy Spirit
of God. Paul began this chapter urging
the believers in Ephesus to live worthy of being called Christians. He said that they should be humble, gentle,
patient, and loving. (Ephesians 4:1-3)
Then he said that Christ gave gifts to His people to equip them for
works and service. (Ephesians 4:11-13) That
they would no longer be blown over by false teaching or deceitful schemes.
(Ephesians 4:14-16) Paul then gave them
some instructions for Christian living. (Ephesians 4:17-32) Included among them was the instruction that
they were not to speak unwholesome or unhelpful words. They should build up all who listen to them. He ended this chapter by encouraging them to
get rid of all bitterness and every form of malice and to be kind,
compassionate, and forgiving. (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Application:
When
we become believers and accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are
changed. Our conversation should be
different as well as our behavior. The
Bible says that a man is defiled by that which comes out of his mouth and not
that which he eats or drinks. (Matthew 15:11)
Our conversation should reflect the grace of God and be seasoned with
salt, that is to be helpful, to bring purification to a sin-sick world.
(Colossians 4:6) Our intentions should always
be to help others, to build them up and not to tear them down.
