Speaking With Honour Clean Conversation
Thursday February 2, 2017
What does speaking honourably have to do with recovery? Does it matter if I use swear words or tell off-colour jokes? To live in recovery is to live as respectful people, honouring God and honouring those around us. In our conversation with others, how does our speech reflect this?
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. (Ephesians 4:29 NLT)
God’s name and God’s reputation is demonstrated in the character of Jesus who taught us to pray what is commonly called the “Lord’s Prayer”. Every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer we are upholding God’s name with reverence and using it with respect. In the same way that we would not appreciate people saying or doing things in our name, which we personally don’t approve of, so we shouldn’t use God’s name as a swear word or to accomplish anything He would not approve of.
Do not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name. Our Father in heaven, may your name be honored. (Exodus 20:7, Matthew 6:9 NLT)
One of the best ways to help get ourselves out of the habit of swearing is to keep ourselves away from situations where such talk is the norm. While we may have to tolerate swearing in work environments, there are many other situations where we can gently ask friends and associates not to swear around us and limit time with them if they continue. TV shows, movies, and song lyrics that we watch or listen to, should be assessed for content.
We need to choose what we input into our minds.
It's time to think before we speak, and to honour the God who has rescued us from suffering and darkness and brought us into His glorious light.
PRAYER: Our Father in Heaven, I ask that Your loving kindness towards me be reflected in my speech and actions. May Your name be honoured in all I say and do. AMEN
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