Ephesians 4:25-5:2
Almost everyone remembers a parent or grandparent saying, "I'm gonna wash your mouth out with soap" in response to a curse word or an angry outburst from a child or grandchild. And some of us may have, indeed, have our mouths literally washed out with soap. Ew.
Today is Paul's version of that with the Ephesians. He is encouraging them to speak with kindness and the love of Christ. It is important to note that he isn't saying to be sugary sweet and fake or artificial. In fact, he acknowledges the legitimacy of anger, saying:
Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not make room for the devil...
He follows this up by encouraging them, even when they are angry, to "let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear."
What useful words in the midst of today's violent and hate-filled rhetoric about politics, social issues, topics of race, gender, class and sexual orientation, etc. We don't seem to "get" what being a Christian is about, at least in terms of what Paul suggests here.
Injustice is something to be angry about. But creating more injustice by spouting off our mouths in violent and destructive ways only contributes to the injustice. Feeling ignored or insignificant is something to be angry about. But letting our anger boil over inside of us until we spew it out in a rage against someone or some institution only contributes to our own feelings of inadequacy.
How can we heed Paul's advice as Christians in 2012? What can we do to contribute "only what is useful for building up" as we go about our daily lives? What can we do to make people see that the Christ we follow isn't about taking sides, but about allowing for grace to enter?
Email me or comment below. Peace be with you.
How painful it is to make a quick comment and then wish that you could take it back in a hurry and that no one had heard it. How much better to weigh your words carefully and to say something kind and gentle. I am working to try to weigh things carefully and be kind. It is a very full time job.
ReplyDeleteHey Pam - this scripture reminded me of a fable I heard at Synagog awhile back. Thought you and your readers might like to read it.
ReplyDeleteThe Power of Speech
Judaism is intensely aware of the power of speech and of the harm that can be done through speech. The harm done by speech is even worse than the harm done by stealing or by cheating someone financially: money lost can be repaid, but the harm done by speech can never be repaired. For this reason, some sources indicate that there is no forgiveness for lashon ha-ra (disparaging speech).
This Chasidic tale vividly illustrates the danger of improper speech:
A man went about the community telling malicious lies about the rabbi. Later, he realized the wrong he had done, and began to feel remorse. He went to the rabbi and begged his forgiveness, saying he would do anything he could to make amends. The rabbi told the man, "Take a feather pillow, cut it open, and scatter the feathers to the winds." The man thought this was a strange request, but it was a simple enough task, and he did it gladly. When he returned to tell the rabbi that he had done it, the rabbi said, "Now, go and gather the feathers. Because you can no more make amends for the damage your words have done than you can recollect the feathers."
It's a good reminder to us all to pay attention to our words, they put action/energy in motion that can never be taken back. Or as my mother would say, "If you can't say something nice, it's better to not say anything at all."
Amen to that!