Ephesians 4

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. (verse 29)

Nowadays it is very easy to speak corruptingly. I know that I do, appallingly often. I swear, I gossip, I lie on occasion. And while I do not use the term ‘OMG’ – though many Christians around me do – I have been known to say things like Oh my goodness, which is still not acceptable. All of my speech is something I need to work on a great deal, given the importance of words in Scripture.

But the Biblical standard is not merely to avoid the bad; it is to actively practice the goo. It is not enough not to swear – I need to speak forth the Scriptures. It is not sufficient to refuse to gossip – I need to instead encourage those around me to follow Christ more closely. It is not enough to not say evil, I need to be exhorting myself and others to the Good.

I fall so far short that it horrifies me at times. To think – my Jesus died, DIED, for me, and I can barely stop saying cuss-words for Him. But He is changing me, making me over with His love, by His grace. I cannot speak rightly by my own strength, but though Him I can!