Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath , anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.Ephesians 4:29-32
The word for “corrupt” refers to that which is foul or rotten, such as spoiled fruit or putrid meat. Foul language of any sort should never pass thru a redeemed Christian’s lips anymore, because it is totally out of character of the new life given to the believer who is now in Christ. The Christian’s speech should be instructive, encouraging, inviting the love of Christ into every subject, uplifting, (even when it must be corrective), and suited for the moment. Grace to the hearers—Believers have been saved by grace and are kept by grace, they should now live and speak with grace on their lips : Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how to answer each one. (Colosians 4:6) To speak what is spiritual, wholesome, fitting, kind, sensitive, purposeful, complimentary, gentle, truthful, loving, and thoughtful should be describing the manner in which a believer communicates. Just as the use of salt in Bible times was used for preserving, and flavoring food, but also preventing corruption, the Christians speech should act not only as a blessing to others, but as a purifying influence within a society that is filled with decay. Then we have Jesus’ examples of speech. the One who was prophesied You are fairer than the sons of men, Grace is poured upon Your lips; Therefore God has blessed You forever (Psalm 45:2), and in the gospel of Luke, So all bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth (Luke 4:22) Our Lord set the standard for us. Image yourself being instructed by God Himself. The pharisee’s who were leaders in the synogogue were not moved by the Lord’s words to them, due to their hardness of heart, when they wanted Jesus arrested; “The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this Man!”(John 7:46) The officers in their failed attempt to arrest Jesus when they were confronted with His person and powerful teaching, being religiously trained, Jesus’ words struck them at their very heart.
Do not grieve the Holy Spirit—God the Father is grieved when His children refuse to change their old ways of being in bondage to sin, for the righteous ways of the new life in Christ. Anything evil from the old life that is brought into the new life will give the devil a foothold, a beachhead if you will of enemy territory that is unlawfully taken. Paul names such things as lying, losing your temper, stealing, corrupt speech, bitterness, and an unforgiving spirit. All these invite Satan into your daily lives and they will hurt your walk, bring harm to you or your loved ones, harm the church by weakening the body, and grieve the Spirit of God. Sealed for the day of redemption—The Holy Spirit who dwells in every believer is the guarantor of eternal redemption in Christ for those who believe in Him. What incredible spiritual gain and truth by which every believer needs to rely upon.
Beloved friend, Christ is given us the victory in this life. We need to persevere and remember that Jesus is with us through the Holy Spirit, and wants to speak through us His loving words of grace to reach out and invite in all those who are in our lives (for a reason) who are living without Him, who are outside of Christ, and need His forgiveness and offer of eternal life. Can He count on you to be His words of grace?
May the Lord bless your walk!