Christian Speech

A sister from the community called this afternoon to ask about the following Scripture: "From the fullness of the heart, the mouth speaks." Mt 12:34

This verse reminded me that most of the conflicts and hurts that occur among brethren in the community has to do with what we say. And what we say has something to do with what is in our hearts.

In truth, we are all of unclean lips, doomed before the Lord without the purifying ember of the Holy Spirit (Is 6:5-7). If we are to overcome this weakness, we must, like the prophet Isaiah, submit our hearts and tongues to the control of the Holy Spirit. In community, there are many situations that require us to guard our speech in order to avoid wrongdoing. Our speech must glorify God and build up His church.

In our intercessory prayers, circle sharing, shepherding and witnessing, there is sharing of confidential information which would be injurious or embarrassing to the sharer if the listeners were to repeat the information to third parties. Outside of the sharer's circle of trust, such revelation of confidential information becomes gossip. Such sharing is given in trust; the recipients of the sharing must be trustworthy. When we fail to live up to that trust, we must examine our hearts.

Community is about relationships. Talk can build or hurt relationships. In community, we will always experience joy and pain in our relationships. Regardless of the situation, there will always be an opportunity to bring something good or better out of it. It all depends on how we handle the situation.

Good situations can be better with a simple thank you, a blessing, a smile, a tap in the back, or a commendation. Difficult situations can turn to good with an encouraging word, a direct, gentle and loving correction, or an empathetic response. Where there are hurts involved, reconciliation and healing should result when we practice fraternal correction. In forgiveness, there is healing.

We are a community of sinners. It is only by the grace of God that we have been redeemed through the cross of Jesus Christ. Our righteousness is only in Christ. Since God will not condemn us, we too should not condemn nor judge nor speak ill of our brethren. Rather, we are commanded to love our brethren as Jesus loved us. This means we must accept them regardless of who they are, where they came from and what they say and do. Christian speech requires that we encourage each other and pray for one another as we live up to our promise of grace.