| 1:18 MIN READ |

Have you been to the dentist recently? Regular dental check-ups are important for screening oral cancer and gum disease and discovering tooth decay. Lots of health issues are associated with the condition of the mouth.

There’s an important application for our spiritual and relational lives too. What happens with our mouths makes a big difference in what happens with our lives. Take a look at Paul, the apostle’s instructions about dealing with mouth decay in Ephesians 4:29-30 (NIV) “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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Paul reminds us that some very damaging stuff can come out of our mouths. If these things come out it means that first they are let in. When we harbor anger, bitterness, resentment, hurt inside our hearts, they eventually become words that come out of our mouth — “unwholesome” words.

The Greek term for “unwholesome” means, “rotten, putrid, corrupt, decayed.” When we speak these words we reveal the decay that is in us, and we spread it to others, both of which grieve God’s Spirit.

Make a decision to deal with mouth decay in your life.

Pastor Dale

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