Are you talking to me?

Are you talking to ME?

How many times do we hear something said about us that we can hardly believe we are hearing it.  The words are so harmful, so damaging that we are shocked at the speaker.  We are amazed that such words could flow from the mouth of someone we thought of as a fairly nice person.  It just goes to show you that when in a crowd, speak very softly, or be prepared to stand by your comments.  God just wants us all to get along with one another.  It would please Him if we were more hospitable to one another.

“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 not 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 to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 4:29-32(NKJV)

It seems that this message appears over and over in the Bible.  I could quote other passages that say basically the same thing, but I think you know that by now.  We all want to get along with one another, we all want peace over the hatred that we see in the world.  We all want to live in harmony with one another.  I can’t think of anyone that would argue these points.  Then why are we still fighting.  Why are we still hateful to one another, not loving our neighbor or caring for the sick, even watching out for the “least of these.”  Why do we continue to spew the “corrupt word” and not the “tenderhearted” words of encouragement?  It seems that we need a few lessons in decency and respect for our fellow man.

Just think about Paul’s words to the Ephesians, encouraging them be mindful of their language.  He instructs them to use only positive, encouraging language, and not the oppressive, condemning language that does nothing to build up. 

I know you were not talking to ME!

“in the world, not of the world”