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Lenten Devotional

March 27, 2019

All Day

But now you must put them all away

 …obscene talk from your mouth.

Colossians 3:8

 

Put Off
Obscene Talk

 

As the last point in the list of things to put off, Paul mentions obscene talk. What is this obscene talk? One commentary says that it can be either understood as direct, abusive language or otherwise, as simply impure speech. Either or, the end results show an impure heart. In Matthew, Jesus reprimands a group of Pharisees saying:  “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Matthew 12:34) Thus, it is important to realize what we feed our hearts. The popular phrase of “garbage in, garbage out” is therefore so very true when it comes to our speech.

 

For me, this becomes most apparent when I observe doctors interacting with patients in the hospital. It is easy to stop taking patients’ concerns seriously as seeing patients can gradually wear one down. One very easily falls into an obscene language of disbelief and disrespect instead of a language that is loving and encouraging. The less time we spend recharging in God’s Word, the easier it is for us to fall into this obscene language. Therefore, it is important for all of us to examine our words. Is our speech loving and encouraging to the other person? And if not, what are we “feeding” our hearts, respectively “not feeding” our hearts that results in this obscene language?

 

Finally, what is even more important, is that every moment of obscene talk is a moment when God is not praised, thanked or glorified as he should be!

 

So, whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17)

 

In the end we are left with the following questions:

  • What am I feeding myself that is most reflected in my speech?
  • Do I always try to be loving and encouraging in my words?
  • Is God glorified in my words?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for any obscene talk that passes my lips. Help me follow Jesus’ example of language and let the Holy Spirit speak through me, so that I might always be loving and encouraging in my speech.  Amen

 

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