What We Can Gain by Filtering Our Mouths
Ephesians 4:29 NIV
"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."
It is inevitable that our mouths can, and will, get us into trouble from time to time. Even after drastically changing the course of my life and recommitting myself to the Lord, I still struggle with what should and shouldn't come out of my mouth from time to time. While the fact of the matter is that we are all human and things will slip here and there, we can turn to the Bible for guidance on how to do better in this area of our lives. In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he instructed them on how to live out a Christian lifestyle. One specific concept he highlighted was that we must try our best to filter out the ugly that may come from our mouths and speak only what is good, kind and wholesome. Especially towards others, because in doing so, we are not only reflecting that of Jesus Christ, but we are furthering the kingdom of God by speaking only what is good.
One common activity we are all guilty of, though the Bible explicitly states it's immorality, is gossiping. When we gossip, we may allow words that are hurtful, unkind, and even damaging or condemning of others to slip out. This then puts us at the mercy of sin. However, if we're in a situation where were tempted to gossip, and we make it a point to say kind things or deflect the blow on others with our own ugly, we can easily follow the instructions of Paul in Ephesians 4. By building others up, whether that person deserves it or not, we can see the change in this world we've been praying for. You never know, a little kindness may be all it takes to lift someone out of a pit of sadness and despair. Not only that, but it could be just one kind word that may cause a person to change their ways and turn to Christ. In a moment of changing the way we speak to or about others, we can cause a movement of Christ and even inspire more people to believe.
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