How many times have you been sitting around the living room or kitchen when the topic of discussion turns a little, shall I say, “south”? You know, something happens where we’re now talking about bodily functions, disgusting jokes, or crude comments. Ephesians 4:29 says, “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” (NIV). It’s more than not using four-letter words, slang, or words that I was talking about earlier. Sometimes it’s even the nicest words that can be hurtful: “Bless his heart.” Does that sound familiar? What’s the old song say? “They will know we are Christians by our love.”

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Suggested Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32