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. - Eph 4:29
My friend Warren and I were teaching a Bible class years ago that had a focus on Scripture Memory. One evening we had low attendance and got done with our lesson early so prompted by the Holy Spirit, I ask him if he wouldn't mind giving a testimony about how scripture memory impacted his life. Without skipping a beat he said, "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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God's example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 4:29-5-2 NIV"
He continued to tell us that this was his life's verse that he meditated on daily for many years because he was convicted by God that his speech was unwholesome and it was having negative impacts on people closest to him.
Now this verse came to me as I was praying for my family this morning. We are struggling with deep wounds coming from all sides; physical, spiritual, financial, mental, hurts from the past, fears for the future and trauma in the present. We cry out to God and listen to the Holy Spirit, "He who has ears, let him hear."
Then, as what often happens in my life, God harmonizes his guidance for me through other means as well. I received an email from my friend, Pastor John from Grace in the City church, he writes:
"The psalmist was always reminding us to remain humble and walk with God, because evil is continually lurking and seeking to destroy us!So what do we learn from todays reading? In Psalm 120, we see very quickly a cry of repentance asking the Lord to deliver him from lying lips and a deceitful tongue. How many of us have been using our tongues as weapons lately? Ask yourself this question: If Jesus was standing right next to you would you say half the things that come out of your mouth? Here’s the reality; Jesus isn’t just standing besides you, He’s living inside you! That’s right, if you area Christ Follower, we have the Lord living in us, not sometimes, but all of the time. My caution to all of us, is to be very careful with our speech and think before we speak! "
he continues, "When pride kicks in, its a very slippery slope that we are on and usually we succumb to the wiles of the devil, until we can see the error of our ways. This reminds me that its vital to remain humble at all times, always remembering my place in this life and where has God placed me for such a time as this. "
