I didn’t get to say everything I wanted to say about what to say yesterday.
Some words about words were left out of the many words spoken in the sermon.
Here is a helpful description of choosing edifying words. It is from Paul Tripp’s book War of Words – getting to the heart of our communication struggles
What, then, is wholesome talk?
It is other-oriented communication that is rooted in the existence, love, mercy, grace, and calling of the Lord. It submits to His plan, speaks up to His standard, and uses words unselfishly.
It finds meaning and joy in being used by God as He works in others.
Wholesome talk is also other-oriented in the way it has the needs of others as its focus. Words are specifically spoken for the benefit of those who listen. Wholesome talk flows from a heart that loves God above all else and one’s neighbor as oneself. We will never talk this way if our hearts are filled with our own desires, goals, demands, and needs.