Watch What You Communicate

Watch What You Communicate

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

When the Bible was written the spoken word was the primary form of communication, but in this age of social media the Bible’s teaching on being careful of what you say can be extended to “be careful of what you communicate.” Remember, once it’s out there, it’s out there, like water spilled on the ground that can’t be recovered, especially if you email it, text it, share it, or post it. Here are some principles to help you watch what you communicate.

Think before you share something via social media and take guidance from Colossians 4:6, “Let your conversation (social media included) be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”

Communicate to build others up, not to tear them down. The verse above tells us that all of our communications should be motivated by “what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

And if your communication is motivated by emotion—especially anger—write it today, but don’t hit send until you reread it tomorrow. Chances are, when you’ve cooled off and you reread it you won’t post it or share it and that’s good. Proverbs 29:22 says, “An angry man stirs up dissension, and a hot-tempered one commits many sins.” Proverbs 15:1 tell us, “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”

Finally, almost always, few words are better than many words. James 1:19 reminds us that “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”

Learning to control our communication is a sign of maturity and Christian growth and will bring blessing to us and to those with whom we communicate.

Are you honoring God by how and what you communicate via social media?