I attend a messianic congregation and what I love about this is that the concepts of the roots of the christian faith which are many times overlooked, are lived out and brought to light at the congregation I go to.

One thing brought up this past Teaching Tuesday was Lashon Hara aka. any form of communication if it’s not helpful, building up etc. don’t say, type, etc. said negative thing.

It states that as a person thinks so they are in Proverbs. In fact many of the verses in the book of Proverbs speak on the subject of gossip, spreading a bad name, etc.

In the book of of Ephesians almost the entire second half of the book speaks to this very thing.

Do not let unwholesome [foul, profane, worthless, vulgar] words ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good for building up others, according to the need and the occasion, so that it will be a blessing to those who hear [you speak].

Therefore become imitators of God [copy Him and follow His example], as well-beloved children [imitate their father];  and walk continually in love [that is, value one another—practice empathy and compassion, unselfishly seeking the best for others], just as Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and sacrifice to God [slain for you, so that it became] a sweet fragrance.

But sexual immorality and all [moral] impurity [indecent, offensive behavior] or greed must not even be hinted at among you, as is proper among saints [for as believers our way of life, whether in public or in private, reflects the validity of our faith].  Let there be no filthiness and stupid talk, or coarse [obscene or vulgar] joking, because such things are not appropriate [for believers];

but instead speak of your thankfulness [to God].  For be sure of this: no immoral, impure, or greedy person—for that one is [in effect] an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God [for such a person places a higher value on something other than God].

Let no one deceive you with empty arguments [that encourage you to sin], for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience [those who habitually sin].

 So do not participate or even associate with them [in the rebelliousness of sin].

Ephesians 4:29, 5:1-7

Pretty clear cut when Paul wrote this letter to the believers in Ephesus. It is still applicable to us now.

How we speak (and I myself have removed some of the posts I wrote that were not OK) write, type, body language is to be of a heart of Love, and not negative as far as what is said.

I myself give into self-pity and or just things that drag up my past as if I needed to for example show a grotesque picture that I took years ago to ‘prove’ I struggled with self harm.

In a sense it’s harming myself to drag that up again, for I am no longer that woman. I am the woman who is being washed and renewed daily (and lordy I’m working on it, with God’s help.)

I was convicted by the holy spirit “hey Hannah, take that down sweet.’ ‘you don’t have to prove anything to anyone dear, you are not that girl any longer, don’t drag around a dead version of you that is buried.”

Pricked me to the soul, stung. But, in obedience and trust I did so.

Note: just as an example, I am by no means any different then anyone else, saved by grace and working out my walk with reverent fear and awe of God.

Watching what we type, speak, say body language convey is so important. The heart behind why we do the above is just as crucial.

Speaking the truth in Love, and being slow to speak, slow to anger but quick to hear saves so much trouble in the long run.

So fellow bloggers share your thoughts on this topic.