I am always amazed by the things people say to each other. The fact of the matter is, people can be down right cruel. As a child I was taught, as many of you were, the saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." I know the intention behind that phrase is good, but it is an absolute false statement. Words do hurt, and they hurt deeply and badly.
The Bible instructs us here in our scripture verse today, that we are to let no "corrupt communication" leave our mouths. There is another phrase which says, "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all." That phrase too, while it sounds good, doesn't go with what the scripture says. It is important to note that Ephesians 4:29 doesn't stop at "no corrupt communication", it continues on to say, "but that which is good." We are not supposed to just say nothing, we are speak good and encouraging words that build up those around us rather than tear them down.
Now, let me say something here while you are working on training yourself on speaking encouraging words. There are going to be times in the beginning that your lips must remain sealed. What I mean by that is - think about what you are wanting to say first - and if it isn't kind, don't say it. You're gonna have to train your self to speak kind encouraging words, but once you're trained it will be extremely easy to speak kindly rather than corruptly.
Maybe we need to adapt some new phrases today. How about this one: "If you can't say something nice, say something nice instead." Or this one: "Sticks and stones may break the bones, but words will wound the heart."
If we will learn to speak kindly to others, I promise you others will learn to speak kindly to us as well.
Convicting.
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