Laws of Relating
Unwholesome Talk

Scripture Reading:  Ephesians 4:29-32

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:29

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.

This week we are going to look at God’s instructions for relating to our relations.  Obviously these are good rules for every relationship.  It seems to me that many in God’s family don’t realize that these relational instructions must first be practiced within our own families.

            Today we are looking at our method of communicating.  Through 30 years of counseling, I have found that a high percentage of family problems are not caused by people speaking falsehoods, but by the way they are speaking the truth!  Our printed key verse for today speaks of unwholesome talk, which I believe is a major issue in most conflicts.  Most families are smart enough to find answers to most of their problems if they can keep negative emotions out of the discussions.  Negative emotions, such as out of control anger, stop progress in all problem solving sessions.

            Unwholesome talk is referencing the words used in a conversation, not the facts of the situation.  When we allow our emotions to get in the way, curse words and wild accusations start coming out of our mouths.  All good communication comes to a stop when emotions take over.  We must realize that to be an effective communicator of our ideas, we must maintain control of our emotions and eliminate unwholesome talk! 

Father, grant me your Spirit of self-control.  Help me to be conscious of the fact that you are near, listening to my talk!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.