"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
I read this verse this morning and the Lord showed me something new from it. I love it when that happens.
The first thing that came to my mind was James 3:9-10
"Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be."
In recent days, famous singers, actors, senators and members of congress have all mentioned that they were praying for our President and his wife after the recent assassination attempt. I found it confusing because just days before, these same people were cursing him, slandering him, and 'joking' about sick things. It's something that we can expect from those who do not know the Lord, however, these verses in Ephesians and in the book of James are all being spoken to Believer's.
Yes-we are guilty, at times, of doing the very same thing. We can speak kindly about a person, and a day later speak something not-so-kind about that very same person. It seems we choose our words by the emotions or feelings or situations we find ourselves in, rather than being controlled by the Holy Spirit of God.
So, what was it that the Lord showed me today concerning the words I speak? I already know that every word I speak should edify others and minister grace to all those who hear them...but they should also edify and minister to me. After all, I hear what I say as well.
Do I edify and minister to myself by the words I speak, or do I talk down to myself? Do I criticize myself? Discourage myself by the words I say?
This really gave me something to think about today.
Lord, today, may my words edify and minister not only to others...
But to You and to me as well...
But that's just me!
"Kind words do not cost much, yet they accomplish much!" Blaise Pascal
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