Language from the heart

"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

I don't want to focus on the foul language aspect of this verse, because for most of us in the Christian world, we know this.   But our focus needs to be on letting our words be good and helpful, because if we focus on what we should do, instead of what we shouldn't do, what we shouldn't do won't even be an option.   

I am surprised sometimes how unbelievers cheer when a believer messes up and swears ... especially at a work place.   What we say is born out of the feelings in our heart, and the discipline of the believer.   We need to concentrate, and make a concerted effort to be the voice of encouragement, and helpfulness.   The more we do this, the more of an impact we will have on those that don't believe.

There are some of those in the Christian church that do swear, thinking that this will help bring the Christ message closer to unbelievers, so that in the end the message would reach into their hearts, instead of being a 'stumbling block'.   Unfortunately the message become convoluted and watered down for the sake of compromise.

For me I think the message that is toughest to act on is always being a voice that is an encouragement, instead of sitting on the sidelines.   I need to seize moments of encouragement.   Not only to help those that are having a tough day, but also for the sake of my own heart and witness.   The more we practice being a light, the more the darkness of the world flees from the world, but also the more it is kept back from our own hearts.   

The transforming power of Christ, through the Holy Spirit works not only outside of us, but inside of us.   Thank you Lord!