Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as
is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it
will give grace to those who hear.
Ephesians 4:29
Talk about a conviction. This verse is probably one you've heard over and over again, but can be difficult to put into practice until something is thrown in your face or kicks you in the butt.
I'm sitting here at Fido while the table of three girls next to me has been going on for a solid 30 minutes verbally tearing down their "friend" who isn't there to defend herself. I understand that this is common in girls and often hard to resist. What makes me cringe even more this particular time is how their love for God, church and prayer is intermingled throughout the bashing.
My heart is breaking that this is the picture of how Godly women are allowed to act because that's not what God intends for us. Women should have each other's back and always be trying to encourage. It's hard enough to live in a world where insecurity and loneliness often rule the day without your fellow sisters in Christ tearing you down.
I may not be accustomed to 30-minute long bashing sessions, but I certainly don't always watch my words and I certainly don't always use my words for edification according to the moment.
This isn't just a verse telling us not to talk bad about people, but also not to talk idly. Some things might be truth, but are they being used for edification? If you are pointing out a friend's error, are you pointing it out with love in your heart and purpose in mind?
Well, consider my butt kicked.
If you don't believe me, take it from the Dowager Countess.
