The Believer And Corrupt Communication

THE BELIEVER AND CORRUPT COMMUNICATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Ephesians 4:29

"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers."

Supporting Texts: Colossians 3:8, Proverbs 18:21, Matthew 12:36-37

INTRODUCTION

One of the greatest indicators of a transformed life is the words that proceed from a believer's mouth. The Bible teaches that death and life are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Corrupt communication includes foul language, gossip, slander, lies, and any speech that does not align with godly principles. As followers of Christ, we are called to speak words that build, encourage, and glorify God.

The world is filled with unwholesome speech, and many believers struggle with controlling their words. However, God expects us to be different. James 3:10 warns against blessing God with our tongue while cursing others with the same mouth. This inconsistency does not reflect the character of Christ. Our speech should reflect the holiness and righteousness of God.

Overcoming corrupt communication requires intentional effort, spiritual discipline, and yielding to the Holy Spirit. As we explore this subject, we will understand what corrupt communication entails, its dangers, and how to cultivate godly speech.

1. WHAT IS CORRUPT COMMUNICATION?

Before we can overcome corrupt communication, we must first identify what it means. The Bible provides clear guidelines on speech that dishonours God.

a) Evil and Unwholesome Speech

Corrupt communication includes foul language, dirty jokes, blasphemy, and words that promote immorality. Colossians 3:8 says, "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth."

b) Gossip and Slander

Speaking negatively about others behind their backs causes division and destroys relationships. Proverbs 16:28 says, "A froward man soweth strife: and a whisperer separateth chief friends."

c) Lies and Deception

God detests lying lips (Proverbs 12:22). A believer must be committed to speaking the truth at all times.

d) Complaints and Ungrateful Speech

Murmuring and complaining show a lack of trust in God (Philippians 2:14). Believers should speak with gratitude rather than negativity.

e) Biblical Example: The Israelites (Numbers 14:27-29)

The Israelites murmured against God in the wilderness, and their corrupt speech led to their destruction.

2. THE DANGERS OF CORRUPT COMMUNICATION

Speaking corruptly does not only affect others but also has consequences for the believer.

a) It Grieves the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:30 warns us not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Corrupt speech hinders our relationship with God.

b) It Defiles a Person

Jesus said in Matthew 15:18, "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." Our words reveal the state of our hearts.

c) It Destroys Relationships

Gossip, lies, and harsh words cause division among friends, families, and church members (Proverbs 11:9).

d) It Brings Judgement

Matthew 12:36-37 warns that we will give account for every idle word spoken. Our words carry eternal consequences.

e) Biblical Example: Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-10)

Their deceitful words led to their immediate death because they lied to the Holy Spirit.

3. HOW TO OVERCOME CORRUPT COMMUNICATION

Overcoming corrupt communication requires discipline and a transformation of the heart through God’s Word.

a) Guard Your Heart

Matthew 12:34 states that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks. When our hearts are purified, our speech will follow.

b) Speak Words of Grace and Edification

Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to use words that build others up. Our speech should encourage and strengthen people.

c) Control Your Tongue

James 3:2 teaches that if a man can control his tongue, he can control his whole body. We must be intentional about what we say.

d) Ask for the Help of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit empowers believers to speak words that glorify God (Psalm 141:3). We must surrender our speech to His control.

e) Biblical Example: Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5-7)

Isaiah recognised his unclean lips, and when God purified him, he was able to speak as God's prophet.

4. CULTIVATING GODLY SPEECH

A believer’s words should reflect the nature of Christ and glorify God.

a) Speak the Truth in Love

Ephesians 4:15 teaches us to communicate truthfully, but with love and grace.

b) Practice Thanksgiving and Praise

Rather than complain, believers should cultivate the habit of gratitude (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

c) Encourage and Uplift Others

Hebrews 10:24-25 instructs us to use our words to encourage and strengthen fellow believers.

d) Let Your Speech Be Seasoned with Salt

Colossians 4:6 says, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man."

e) Biblical Example: Jesus (Luke 4:22)

People marvelled at Jesus’ words of grace. He spoke with wisdom, authority, and love.

CONCLUSION

A believer’s speech is a reflection of their spiritual state. Corrupt communication is not only harmful to others but also hinders our relationship with God. As children of God, we are called to speak words that build, encourage, and bring glory to the Lord. By guarding our hearts, relying on the Holy Spirit, and intentionally speaking words of grace, we can overcome corrupt communication and live as true representatives of Christ.