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.
One of the most challenging things that we face everyday is using our speech for good rather than evil. What comes out of our mouths will either destroy or give life, and oftentimes it feels easier to just not say anything at all simply to avoid the risk of doing harm. However, God has given us the ability to communicate for a reason, and so rather than avoiding it, we should grow and mature in how we do it.
When you start a new workout program or a new diet, you will usually see a list of items that you should eat and a list of items that you should avoid. You will most likely have more success in your workout or diet if you adhere to what they tell you. If you try to get in shape but you don’t avoid things like ice cream and greasy foods, you no doubt will be doing more harm to your body than good no matter how much you exercise.
Similarly, God has instructed us on how we should communicate. Here we see that we should not speak in ways that are going to corrupt others. This could be by avoiding certain words, avoiding words or phrases that cut, defame or tear down a person, or avoiding sharing information that shouldn’t be shared. To corrupt is to take away integrity and strength, much like rust on a boat would cause leaks and structural failure leading to a sinking ship rather than a seaworthy one.
This is what we avoid, but what then should we do that is positive? First, we should try to use words that build others up, making them more firm and strong. This doesn’t mean that we avoid saying things that could offend or bother someone, but rather that even if we do, we aren’t doing these things intentionally. There are hard truths in scripture that we don’t like to be reminded of at times, but that doesn’t mean we should avoid talking about them. We build up by speaking the truth in love, with both gentleness and boldness.
Second, we are to communicate in ways that fit the occasion. There are words that will be helpful to use in certain contexts or situations that may not be as appropriate at other times. It wouldn’t make sense for you to smile while talking about hell, or to frown when talking about heaven. ‘When’ we communicate things can be just as important as ‘what’ we communicate and ‘how’.
Finally, we should hope that what we communicate gives more grace to those who hear us. Is what we are saying to others going to draw them closer to the savior or push them away from him? Are our words going to be representative of the God who has loved us, or will they sound more like the voice of our flesh, the world or the devil?
We have a tremendous opportunity with our words to give strength and hope to others or to corrupt. What will you use your communication for today?
