“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
Social Media has provided a way for people to say anything they want without physically interacting. Many brothers and sisters in Christ have chosen to be critical of all people, politics, and far too often each other.
It is almost as if we have decided that we must “stand up” for the way we view Scripture by “putting down” anything we disagree with, don’t understand or have no revelation about.
Some have chosen to be overly critical and don’t mind whose nerves they step on as long as their emotional post is viewed. A nice Christian post that quotes someone another Christian doesn’t like is immediately condemned in the name of God. Today “heresy” is not noticing WHO said, “Jesus loves you” in a scenic picture quote.
What is more disturbing is fellow pastors and self-proclaimed theologians are attacking each other and pulling ministries down. This is of course great content to secular media.
It’s NOT God’s way for us. We are to “let no corrupt talk come out of our mouths.” Corrupt means, evil, filthy, misleading and even abusive. There is no doubt some Christians are being “abusive” on social media.
But Paul doesn’t end with what NOT to say. He adds the way our speech should be. “Only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Building up, fits the occasion, and there it is—Grace.
Have we forgotten grace? Have we forgotten our speech is for building up the church? Can’t we find it in our hearts to encourage each other? Or better yet, can’t we use social media to brag on Jesus?
He is who we should be talking about. The One who purged our sins. The One who forgives us time and time again for our sins.
We could be flooding social media with the Gospel. As lost people spew filth, we could be speaking purity. As lost people speak hate, we could be showing love.
Sadly, if we cannot speak love to each other, why should lost people see us any differently from themselves?
I pray we can change.
Pastor Rodney
