Speech #6—Self-Preserving Speech

Laying aside falsehood, speak truth, to one another, for we are members of one another. … Let no rotten word proceed from your mouth, but only what is good for building up the person in need, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:25 & 29

God has so constructed the Body of Christ in particular, and every organization in general, that how we talk to others affects our own well-being. Communication unites us, for good or ill. In Christ we are not just associated with one another; we are members of an organism together. God means this design to be a powerful aid in our battle to control our tongues: We do not just hurt someone else when we speak unkindly or deceitfully. We do not just help someone else when we speak graciously and decently. Because we are integrally connected to one another, our speech directly affects us as speakers also. When we are gracious in our speech, everyone who hears benefits. Since we hear our own talk, we are among those who benefit from what we say and from the results our speech produces in our hearers. When we sensitively attempt to strengthen the faith of brothers and sisters in Christ in their moment of need, the words we hear coming from our mouths strengthen our own faith as well. “From the fruit of our mouths we enjoys good … Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives.” God’s grace, lovingly extended as we speak, brings joy to the hearer and the speaker. Good news works both ways.

Creative Lord, may my speech be rooted in your loving grace, so that the fruit of my lips tastes of Heaven and nourishes every heart it touches, including mine. Amen.