Don't Use Foul Language
Thursday, May 9
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. (Ephesians 4:29)
The context of these dos and don'ts is the life Christians are meant to live, namely, as light in a world of darkness. Paul has mentioned a lot of things, which we have seen. Now Paul focuses on our language.
It is interesting that Paul did not say "Don't use foul or abusive words" but "language". My natural default is to ask the meaning of language. What is language? Language is a system of communication that consists of a set of rules, conventions, and symbols used to convey meaning and express thoughts, ideas, and experiences. In other words, Paul isn't just talking about the words we use but a system of communication. A Christian, therefore, should not be found using foul and abusive language. Our communication system should not be foul or abusive.
Of course, words are part of language. It is called verbal communication. And that is what Paul focuses on. Our words are simply the reflection of our thoughts. Thoughts makes words. And thought is what we are. We are what we think. If our words are foul and abusive, it simply means we are foul and abusive.
Here's the alternative: "Let everything [not some things] you say be good and helpful." This is our system of communication. If our words are good and helpful, it simply means our thoughts are good and helpful. Which in turn means we are good and helpful.
Doing the Word
Don't use foul or abusive language.
Prayer
Dear Father, may my mouth be cleansed. Transform my thoughts and align them to Your thoughts. Create in me a new heart that thinks of Your way and word. So that I will speak only Your word, in Jesus' name, Amen.