Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. Eph 4:25 (NIV)Beneficial speech is truthful speech.
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. Eph 4:22-24 (NIV)
Why is truthful speech needed? When we speak the truth we are
being like God. He is truthful! There are multiple times in Scripture that we hear Jesus say, "I tell you the truth" and we know where Jesus got His words......
For I did not speak of my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told me to say." John 12:49-50 (NIV)
When we say what needs to be said, it needs to be the truth. You've heard the saying, "the truth hurts." Sometimes it is uncomfortable to hear, but when it is motivated by love and surrounded by a relationship based in Godliness it will be beneficial. It's always easier to hear what we want to hear. So, we need to choose our words carefully. I've heard it said, "chew your words, if they taste bitter to you chances are they will to someone else."
Sarcasm alert!
Sarcasm is not a gift. So if it comes naturally to you, learn a different way. It's like salt, use it sparingly otherwise it has adverse effects on the body.
Speaking the truth should be a refreshing thing to us. We no longer have to sort out if there is some hidden meaning or if it is really sincere. It's the difference between false labor and true labor....no one likes false labor! I think you get the point. What a relief it is when we speak truthfully to one another.
Say what needs to be said. Speak the truth....be like God.
More to come............
Have a great day!
Deny
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