IMPACTFUL COMMUNICATION (2)

“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification…” – Ephesians 4:29a

Intentionality is crucial to IMPACTFUL COMMUNICATION: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Eph.4:29). Effective communication for impact is rooted in a regenerated spirit, renewed mind, and the choice to replace corrupt speech with edifying, truthful, and gracious words. These apostolic instructions provide a clear framework for putting off destructive communication habits and putting on Christ-like ones. Today’s meditation passage is examined in three sections: the foundation, the instructions, and the practice.

The Foundation is a renewed mind: “and be renewed in the spirit of your mind” (v.23). Impactful communication begins with an internal transformation. Putting on "the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness" (v.24b) infers that a heart's condition determines the words: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks" (Mt.12:34b). 

The Instructions are summed up in: Putting off destructive speech. To communicate with impact, we must actively put away the habits of our “old self”: We must get rid of: falsehood, sinful anger, corrupt conversation, and corrosive emotions.

Falsehood: Stop lying, twisting the truth, and deceiving others (v.25); communicate based on honesty and integrity.

Sinful anger: While anger is a natural human emotion, we must not let it control our actions or fester unsettled (v. 26).  

Corrupt talk: includes any unwholesome, abusive, worthless, or vulgar language that tears people down. Words filled with cynicism, sarcasm, and gossip have no place in godly communication (v. 29). A reckless tongue can lead to ruin (Pro.13:3).

Bitterness and Wrath: Negative reactions and toxic emotions such as bitterness, rage, clamor (shouting), and evil-speaking (slander) must be eliminated, as these corrosive communication styles destroy relationships and grieve the Holy Spirit (v. 31).

The Practice is to cultivate constructive speech. In place of harmful speech, the renewed mind produces communication that builds up and gives grace. The following practices are key to communicating for impact: 

Speak the Truth (v. 25): Speak honestly and openly recognizing that we are “members one of another” in the body of Christ.

Minister Grace (v. 29): Our words as conduits of God’s Grace, should not be self-centred, but offer blessing to the hearers: “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Col.4:6).

Speak with Kindness and compassion (v. 32): A tender-hearted and benevolent attitude should underlie all our interactions. This requires us to put the other person's best interests first, even during conflict.

Forgive (v. 32): Communication should be governed by a forgiving spirit, modelled after how God forgave us in Christ. Without forgiveness, bitterness and malice will inevitably poison our words and actions. 

By following these scriptural directives, our communication will lead to Edification, Spiritual Maturity, and God-glorifying Impact.