“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29

 Jesus reminds us that the words we speak are the overflow of our hearts (Matthew 12:34–35). When you became a Christian, there was an expectation that a change of speech followed because living for Christ makes a difference in our choice of words. The sinner’s mouth is “full of cursing and bitterness” (Romans 3:14); but when we turn our lives over to Christ, we gladly confess “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9–10). As condemned sinners, our mouths are silenced before the throne of God (Romans 3:19), but, as believers, our mouths are opened to praise and glorify God (Romans 15:6).

The Greek word translated “corrupting” means rotten or foul. It originally referred to rotten fruit and vegetables. Being like Christ means we don’t use foul or dirty language. That would also include how we say what we need to say.  As the election of 2020 heats up I want to share a word of caution and concern. There is reason that people don’t want to discuss religion or politics. When we talk about what deeply concerns us we can become very passionate.    In the current age of social media we have an avenue to share our opinion and beliefs that was unheard of in previous generations. There are very few people according to a recent survey that are not on social media. According to the report 90% of millennials  use social media, 77.5% of Gen X, and 48% of Baby Boomers. 68% of Americans use Facebook.

As followers of Jesus Christ we must understand that what you speak and write reflects on our Lord and Savior as well as fellow believers. Years ago here at Grace Harvest we had a foreign     exchange student visit with us. He was from England and was living with Malinda and her family. I sat down with him and shared Christ with him. He told me that he was surprised to see   us so welcoming and loving. When I asked him why, he told me that when he learned he would be staying with a Christian family and attending a Baptist Church, he looked up “Baptist” online. I was shocked when he told me (and it takes a lot to shock this     pastor) that he thought all Baptists were like Westboro Baptist. (Westboro Baptist preaches hate). How many people think all Christians that identify as Baptist believe and preach hate?

Before you type your response to someone who disagrees with   you politically or opposes your faith listen to the warning from Paul, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Also, remember you are ambassadors for Christ. Ambassadors don’t bring their own message or agenda. They are called to     convey what the leader of their country has to say. As ambassadors for Jesus Christ we are to proclaim his truths with boldness in truth and in love.

Your shepherd,

Pastor Mark