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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, NASB1995).
Rotten Tomatoes is a website that rates movies. It’s nice to know if a movie is worth watching before investing money or time.
The website has a “Tomatometer.”
If more than 60 percent of the reviews are favorable for a movie, it gets a red tomato.
If less than 60 percent of the reviews are favorable, it gets a splat.
In Ephesians 4:29, the word “unwholesome” can be translated as “rotten.” The Apostle Paul encourages us to avoid rotten statements and look for ways to edify and extend grace when we talk to others.
Let’s rate a few potential comments that we could make in the next year:
- How can you be a Christian and vote for Trump? How can you be a Christian and vote for Biden?
100 percent of the Bible teaches not to judge others.
- I forgive you!
100 percent of Jesus’ teachings indicate that we must forgive as we have been forgiven.
- I’m not going to repeat what I just heard about this person.
100 percent percent of the entire Bible says we shouldn’t gossip.
- Others are saying this about you, and I agree that you never listen to others.
Two splats, as 100 percent of Scripture says that we are not to triangle with others about another person (slander) and not generalize their faults.
A third category exists on the Rotten Tomatoes website. If a movie gets a score on the “Tomatometer” of 75 percent or higher, it’s certified “Fresh.”
Let’s read the following two certified “Fresh” passages that others should watch in our actions, attitudes, and words.
With all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love (Ephesians 4:2, NASB1995).
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself (Galatians 6:1, NLT).
When I go to bed each night I ask this question, “God, did those I spoke with today walk away feeling they had received grace from me?”
Grace talk is 100 percent Biblical and always certified “Fresh.”