Ephesians 4:29, NIV
Ephesians 4:29 is one of my favorite verses in the Bible, but it is also one of the hardest to live by. In this age of instant information, online rants and abuse are commonplace. Our era of heated disagreement, whether due to politics, religion, sexual orientation or even which designer/singer/dancer should have won, has led to the proliferation of slander, ridicule and defamation through various outlets, in person or otherwise. I myself am guilty of the occasional Facebook or Twitter post declaring my disdain for someone or something to the world. In my opinion, it's just not appropriate to complain about someone in a forum under which they cannot reply. We color each others opinions of one another through our one-sided and sometimes unjustified words. That's just not fair. More often than not, when you post or say a negative anything about another person, my opinion of the person you're complaining about increases, while my respect for you decreases.
I really love how the New Living Translation states this verse; "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." I don't care who you are or where you come from or what you believe in, those are just good words to live by. Just for a moment, let's set aside the global implications it could have and just focus on an individual living by these words. Your daily interactions will become more peaceful leading to less stress for you. Your opinion in the eyes of others will greatly increase and people won't avoid you and your "bad side" because they know you are a person of integrity. Your positive attitude could influence others around you resulting in less tension for all. A kind word from you, rather than rebuke, even deserved rebuke, could change someone's life and literally keep someone on the verge of suicide alive. Wouldn't that feel good? Really, the bottom line on a completely selfish level is that more people will want to be around you. On a global scale, the result of people using good and helpful language would be obvious and far-reaching. I think we're far from that, but the change could start at home, with me and the people I may influence.
I know I will fall short, but I can make a conscientious effort to watch my tongue for the benefit of myself, others and ultimately for the glory of God. We are priveleged to live in a world of differences and rather than be closed-minded and judge those who are unlike us, it would benefit the world and ourselves to show a little bit of compassion rather than criticism, a little bit of love rather than loathing and a little bit of faith rather than fear.
I really love how the New Living Translation states this verse; "Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them." I don't care who you are or where you come from or what you believe in, those are just good words to live by. Just for a moment, let's set aside the global implications it could have and just focus on an individual living by these words. Your daily interactions will become more peaceful leading to less stress for you. Your opinion in the eyes of others will greatly increase and people won't avoid you and your "bad side" because they know you are a person of integrity. Your positive attitude could influence others around you resulting in less tension for all. A kind word from you, rather than rebuke, even deserved rebuke, could change someone's life and literally keep someone on the verge of suicide alive. Wouldn't that feel good? Really, the bottom line on a completely selfish level is that more people will want to be around you. On a global scale, the result of people using good and helpful language would be obvious and far-reaching. I think we're far from that, but the change could start at home, with me and the people I may influence.
I know I will fall short, but I can make a conscientious effort to watch my tongue for the benefit of myself, others and ultimately for the glory of God. We are priveleged to live in a world of differences and rather than be closed-minded and judge those who are unlike us, it would benefit the world and ourselves to show a little bit of compassion rather than criticism, a little bit of love rather than loathing and a little bit of faith rather than fear.
1 comment:
great post! Our children have no idea that when we teach them "o be careful little mouth what you say" that it is going to be a lifelong battle! Recently in bible study we talked about creation and how God spoke things into being. It also says that we are created in His image...if His words are powerful enough to bring light and water and all of creation our words must pack a lot of power as well. You are a great writer!
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