“Let
no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as
is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that
it will give grace in those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
On any given day, we may be confronted by careless words coming from
friends or strangers. Some words are directed towards us and others
we overhear. Regardless, we often are affected by gossip, murmuring
and evil reports. What's more, in time we discover that we can just
as easily get caught in the tongue trap. Our own conversations have
the power to encourage or destroy. Like the Apostle Paul, we wonder
how it could have happened, for “that which we don't want to do
we sometimes do."
But there is hope to cure our wagging tongues. The application of God's Word can alter our speech towards positive, encouraging communication instead of that which is hurtful, bitter or damaging. With the Lord's help, self-centered speaking habits can be replaced by respect, healing and love.
