Unwholesome Speech

As I was reading through the book of Ephesians today, I came across a part of the book that really impacted me while I was a student at Northwest Missouri State. During my sophomore year, the Navigators Bible Study I participated in was about the book of Ephesians. Many of us guys really tried refining our speech because of the truth found in the back half of Ephesians 4 and front half of Ephesians 5.

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:29-32

Pretty heavy stuff eh? This set of verses just really struck me this morning with everything I have seen on social media the last month or so. From a gorilla being shot to the travesty that happened in Orlando a couple of days ago. People have poured out their opinions all over Facebook with an incredible force.

I know for me personally, one of the more igniting things that I read about had to do with Chick-fil-a. I was so impressed with how they were representing the Gospel it actually made me angry with the people that I worked with this last year who repeatedly talked about how awful Chick-fil-a was because they do not support marriage equality. Woah did I feel convicted this morning. "Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." I don't think for a second Chick-fil-a did what they did because they felt like they needed to prove to anyone that they are good people or a respectable company. They were simply being kind and compassionate towards a group of people that were/are spiritually, emotionally, and physically broken. (Side note, if you don't know what Chick-fil-a did, here is a link http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2016/jun/13/chick-fil-responds-orlando-massacre-free-food-bloo/)

For the rest of us, I imagine many of you have felt some sort of way about gun restriction recently. By no means, do I believe that having an opinion on this issue is sinful or wrong. However, I do think there may be something wrong with believing that these types of discussions have to happen right now. I understand it is human nature. Orlando was the cause, outcries of how we distribute guns is the effect. I just ask that you remember the truth that the Holy Spirit gave Paul some 2000 years ago. Do not allow any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths. More importantly, ensure that everything you are saying is seeking to build others up according to their needs. Right now? The families and friends of those slaughtered don't need to hear about the right to bear arms. They need to hear about how Christ loves them and died for them and is standing right there beside them while they are in pain. He knows the feeling and can help them for eternity. Taking away assault rifles from American citizens is going to do nothing for their emotional pain.

Later on Ephesians 5 Paul gives us some guidance on how to make our speech reflect these things.

"Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving." -Ephesians 5:4

It is simple really. Dive into thanksgiving. Start thanking God for all the incredible things he has done and is doing in your life. It will make the things like the second amendment arguments and gorilla killings seem a lot less important. Leave sarcasm and hurtful speech at the front door aka don't bring it to the internet, instead seek to fulfill the needs of others.