Ephesians 4:29, HCSB
In Paul's letter to the Ephesians, he explains how new Christians should live. He delivers a sobering wake-up call: You left your old self behind when you became a Christian. This, of course, does not mean abandoning those things that makes a person unique. The closer we follow Christ, the more God's design is illustrated in our individual lives. We are most ourselves when we are in Christ.
Paul's instruction on language is vital and serves as an important barometer for our own spiritual lives. Are we uttering "rotten talk"? The phrase isn't limited to profanity and shouldn't be limited to a ban on profane language. Paul follows his "do not" with a "do this"--that is, speak in order to build up or give grace. Spend more than a few minutes communicating with a person and chances are good you'll find how difficult this can be. As with all commandments, it is accompanied by the implied promise of God's help for those sincerely desiring to obey God's Word.
Let us be mindful of our tongues as well as the source of our speech (our hearts) this week. Make every effort at using your speech to build up rather than tear down.
