UNWHOLESOME TALK

How can you thank God and curse under the same breath? Does this offensive act make sense to you? What do you think God would say to this? James addresses the Jewish Christians (Jewish believers in Jerusalem) in a letter. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters this should not be. James 3:10 (NIV) Would you want people to hear praises or cursing come from your mouth or both? You should be honest in answering this question because it will get you to realize the words you choose to speak.

Praise (verb) to express approval or admiration of; commend; extol/ to offer grateful homage to (God or a deity), as in words or song.  

Cursing (verb) to wish or invoke evil, calamity, injury, or destruction upon; to swear at; to blaspheme; to afflict with great evil; to excomminucate.

Paul addresses the believers in the church at Ephesus about what should and should not come from their mouths (ours as well). 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. Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) Our words should build people up not tear them down. They should encourage people and benefit those who listen to us speak.

We as believers should know how to conduct ourselves and if any of you don’t then I suggest you read your bible more often. The bible is our daily bread. The word sustains us and instructs us on how to live holy lives. There are many stories to learn from. Take the time and dive into it, study it, meditate on it, get it written upon your heart. Let me remind you that Jesus lived the perfect life that we never could. His precious blood was shed to cover our sins. He became sin, who knew no sin; that we may become His righteousness. 2Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)

When you are in Christ, you are a new creation. The old person has gone and the new person has come! 2Corinthians 5:17 (NIV) Brothers and sisters, this means you have to die to your old way of living life and walk into (put on) a new way of living your life. This does not happen overnight. It has to be learned and what better way to learn than to seek God. READ YOUR BIBLE! Don’t be just a hearer of the word, be a Doer of the word as well. James 1:22 (NIV)

More Scripture references: Proverbs 21:23 (NIV) Proverbs 10:31 (NIV) Proverbs 4:24(NIV) Matthew 15:11, 18 (NIV)