A note from our pastor:

First, Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful to God for each of you, and not today only. As we celebrate this holiday set aside especially for the giving of thanks, let us thank our Lord for his love, grace, and mercy and for the blessing of being able to walk together as disciples. I am thankful for each of you and your desire to learn and meditate upon God’s word. May you find great joy in family and friends today and in the blessings of our Savior.

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

Ephesians 4:29

As we consider this instruction from the Apostle we must be cautious to not over-simplify the warning. Because of our Puritan heritage in America we have a tendency to view this verse as a caution against profanity and other “foul” language. While there are certain boundaries around the language we use, the concept of profanities is unique to the particular language spoken and the culture in which you reside. As such, the warning in this verse is much larger and deeper than a simple avoidance of profanities.

The word translated as “corrupt” in this verse means rotten or putrid. In other words, language that is of no value to the one receiving it. Just as supplying rotten food to a man who is hungry is not only of no value but is insulting, the speaking of rotten language is damaging to the recipient.

When the Apostle warns the disciple to avoid corrupt communication it includes things such as flattery, boasting, backbiting, gossip, bearing false witness, and other communication void of edification. In other words, one can completely avoid “foul” language and yet fill their conversations with corrupt communication.

As with the prior verse, the Apostle provides a behavior the disciple should avoid, and then provides a behavior which should become a habit. Here, the Apostle tells us to engage in communication which is edifying, but more importantly that ministers grace to the one receiving the communication. As with so many other things, our conversations should center around the betterment of those around us, not the selfish desires we so often focus on.

Our lives as disciples are filled with the grace and mercy of Jesus Christ. As such, our communications should take on a spirit of charity.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah