Corrupting Talk

Ephesians 4:29

“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.” 

One of my favorite things is sitting around the table with my family after we have finished eating and talking to my wife, and my children and their spouses.  More than talking, I like to listen to them.  I like to hear their funny stories and listen to them laugh.  After such a time my heart is full; full of joy, and love.

Have you ever come away from a conversation and felt pain, or hurt, or anger?  Or maybe you said some hurtful things to someone.  How about a gossip session?   We have all done these things.  

Paul’s advice to the Ephesians was to build people up in our conversations.  Such conversations with people will, according to Paul, deepen their relationship with God.   

Our motivation, then, for participating in conversations should be love, even if we have some hard truths to discuss.  The words we say in conversations are to have the presence and love of God in them.  

Speak as if God is present.  Because He is.  

May the love of Christ be with you

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)