Unless you live in the Bible belt, portions of the south or in a friendly neighbor, an encouraging word is a rare sound. Rather, misery loves company, spreading negativity into the air, leaving a trail of carnage in its wake. In this current environment, the fruit of lips is disappearing.
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name, Hebrews 13:15.
To combat harsh comments during the first century, the author of Hebrews suggests praising God can turn a foul mouth into the fruit of lips. However, you still have to overcome any influences which alter your choice of words. The term continually is added to insure this practice is consistent, not something here today and gone tomorrow. Change takes time and making praise a habits will lead to a transformed vocabulary.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption, Ephesians 4:29-30.
The apostle Paul discovered that unwholesome talk grieves the Holy Spirit. If the church is one body composed of many parts, any comment toward someone you don’t like or related to is like slapping God is the face, the Creator of life. Therefore, to avoid failing into this trap, replace curses with praise. Then, you will emulate the fruit of lips.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 