"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it." -Ephesians 4:29
"As travelers passing through this world, it only makes sense that we leave breadcrumbs of positivity in our trail."
Life is but a blink of an eye, and in this one moment of existence, we have the ability to either tear down or build up those around us. We can choose to have a perspective that sees and speaks the good in others into reality, or we can nitpick every imperfection as if we are flawless ourselves. A worldly individual focuses on the fame of their words- negativity sells. A godly person focuses on the humility and tenderness of their speech- being kind even when no one is watching.
As Proverbs 18:21 tells us, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof."
One way to discern whether our talk is wholesome or not, is to ask ourselves if the thoughts in our mind would be helpful if we said them out loud. If the words are not beneficial, they are better left unsaid. We must then have the wisdom to not only stay silent, but resist latching onto those negative ideas that float around in our heads. We should desire to make it a habit to dwell on kindness.
If we are truly representatives of God, then we are also meant to conduct ourselves in a manner that mimics Jesus' example. If we are stumbling blocks to others due to our speech, then we are painting an inaccurate image of Who the Heavenly Father is.
When we choose to lie, gossip, nag on, deceive, reject, or hurt those who we are called to love, we are tainting a relationship that had the potential to bring glory to the Lord. We must keep in mind that not one of us is perfect, and we have to forgive ourselves and others for past mistakes. However, in the days to come, we can dare to be kind in a world where kindness is unpopular.
How can your speech be representative of the God you serve? How can you build others up rather than tear them down with your tongue? As a traveler passing through, how much kindness will you dare to leave in your trail?
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