November 5, 2023
Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29 (NRSV)
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 (NLT)
Watch the way you talk. Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Ephesians 4:29 (MSG)
“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.” Ephesians 4:29 (ESV)
Last week we looked at the essense of the carnal and spiritual mind. One of the questions asked was, “how can we cultivate our minds by removing negative, ungodly, and harmful influences, pollutants, and love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind?”
In studying for writing this devotional, I was reminded of what Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesly often says, “Read your Bible, it will make you a better Christian.” So True! You cannot read and study the Word of God, the Bible, and remain the same. You cannot have the same
critical, complaining, or negative spirit if you are frequently in the study of God’s Word. It is simply impossible! Hebrews 4:12 reminds us that “the Word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (NLT)
In the past, I have posted on Social Media this quote “when you open your mouth, you tell people who you are”. It is part of a quote from Les Brown. At the time of the posting, I was not aware it was from Mr. Brown. He full quote says, “All of us should learn to be effective communicators because when you open your mouth you tell people who you are.” However, the concept “when you open your mouth, you tell people who you are” is actually supported by Scripture.
It can also be found in real life situations. Life happens and there are times when life gets busy and often kairotic. There are times when I get up running with the business of life and do not spend time with God in His Word and praying that He guides and directs my day. I can readily experience the craziness of life which often causes me to pause and repent and surrender to God asking Him to order my steps so I will be a reflection of HIM knowing that my words and actions reveal the condition of my heart!
Let’s look and some Scriptures References and Principles that highlight this concept and instruct us as Believers in Christ to use our words for edification and grace, emphasizing that our speech should reflect our identity as followers of Christ.
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.” (ESV) This verse instructs Christians to use their words for edification and grace, emphasizing that our speech should reflect our identity as followers of Christ.
Matthew 12:34-35. “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.” (ESV) Jesus emphasizes that our words flow from the condition of our hearts. They are a reflection of what is within us, revealing our true character.
James 3:9-12. “With it the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” (ESV) James warns against the inconsistency of using our tongue to both bless and curse, highlighting the need for our speech to align with our faith and values.
Colossians 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (ESV) This verse encourages believers to let their speech be characterized by grace and wisdom when interacting with others.
Proverbs 10:19 “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (ESV) We are warned of the importance of exercising restraint and thoughtfulness in our speech, as an abundance of words can lead to transgression.
Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This verse underscores the profound impact of our words. It suggests that our speech can bring either life or death, blessing or curse, and it reveals our inner disposition. (ESV):
The Word of God is replete with principles on how we should speak! There is a consistent message that our words reveal our character, beliefs, and the condition of our hearts. And so, as Believers in Christ, it is IMPERATIVE that we are mindful as of the words we speak, ensuring that they align with our identity as followers of Christ and contribute positively to the lives of others.
Our speech can be a powerful tool for sharing the love of God, offering encouragement, and demonstrating the transformational work of faith in our lives. It has no place in getting people told, telling people off, or speaking negatively about others!
This caused me to reflect on the first class in my studies in Biblical Counseling (BC1) Biblical Counseling 1. One of the teaching materials was a small yet powerful pamphlet, The Healing of the MIND! When it comes to healing the mind, is the most important part of our being. A deficiency here affects not only our entire body but our entire life. Healing of the mind is an absolute necessity for every individual and is available to everyone who desires it.
The MIND is the mental/emotional aspect of us as human beings. The mind processes thoughts and ideas as well as feelings and emotions. The mind is consciousness, memory, and imagination! HOW CAN THE MIND BE HEALED? There are Four Corrections Necessary to Accomplish this. The Mind Must Be:
- Changed – The Mind must be Changed because the natural mind (mind of the flesh) is hostile toward God, it rejects truth and is blinded. The mind in its natural state is rebellious and unfit. Until the mind is changed, a person lives in the lust of the flesh and must repent of sin. The word repent primarily means “change one’s mind.” Repentance is a voluntary change of the mind. Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t believe. They are not able to see the glorious light of the Good News. They don’t understand this message about the glory of Christ, who is the exact likeness of God. 2 Corinthians 4:4 (NLT)
- Renewed – The MIND must be Renewed! This applies to every child of God. Romans 12:2 “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” It is only through renewing the mind that life is transformed. It is only through the renewing of the mind that our lives are changed. Then the mind becomes a vehicle for the Holy Spirit, and the good and perfect will of God is proven in the life of the Believer. The renewing of the mind is a correction that the child of God needs to have daily.
- Controlled – The MIND must be Controlled! It is only through the controlling of the mind that we can learn how to control our thoughts. The Apostle Paul reminds us that “We must destroy every proud obstacle that keeps us from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NLT). The control of the mind is in the reach of every child of God. Every negative thought must be tested and refused immediately. Refuse to give consent to every negative thought, it is not from God. When the mind is not controlled it is plagued with unpleasant memories of the past. Resist the thoughts and seek the HELP of the Holy Spirit to cover and control your mind.
- Occupied – The MIND must be Occupied! Not only should the mind be controlled, but it must also be occupied, and all impressions and experiences examined against the Word of God. The mind must be occupied with pure and righteous subjects. Philippians 4:8 reminds us; “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” (NIV). Our minds should be occupied with the Lord Jesus Christ.
HEART CHALLENGE: Are you spending enough time in prayer and study of His Word, the Bible, to have His very mind in you? In order to have the mind of Christ, one must first have saving faith in Christ as noted in John 1:12; 1 John 5:12. After salvation, the Believer in Christ lives a life under God’s influence and control. The Holy Spirit indwells and enlightens the Believer, infusing him with wisdom ~ the mind of Christ. The Believer bears a responsibility to yield to the Spirit’s leading in Ephesians 4:30 and to allow the Spirit to transform and renew his mind – Romans 12:1-2.
In order for HEALING to take place, HOPE must be realized and a willingness to accept HELP.
He sent out His word and healed them and delivered them from destruction. Psalms 107:20 (NRSV)
The only way to experience a Healed Mind is to infuse it with the truth of God’s Word! Transformation through renewed minds comes as Believers expose themselves to God’s Word on a regular basis.
A HEALED HEART: There is a consistent message that our words reveal our character, beliefs, and the condition of our hearts. As confessed Believers in Christ, it is essential to be mindful of the words we speak, ensuring that they align with our identity as followers of Christ and contribute positively to the lives of others. Our speech can be a powerful tool for sharing the love of God, offering encouragement, and demonstrating the transformational work of faith in our lives
FATHER GOD, thank You for Your Word that give us clear instructions on how to heal our minds with the truth of Your Word, in the Precious, Powerful and Preeminent Name of Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, Amen!