God Hears Every Conversation

“I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36-37 ESV

Jesus gives us fair warning that we will give an account for every word we speak. There are no secret conversations that don’t come before the ears of God. He hears it all. We need to be mindful of that so we are more careful about the things we say.

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. Ephesians 4:29 NIV

The goal of all that we say should be to encourage others and build up their faith. As Christians, all our conversations should be of benefit to those who are listening. Others who hear what we say should have a better understanding of the God we serve. Therefore it’s critical that our words give evidence of our respect for others, our commitment to God’s word and our compassion for all mankind.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:3-7 NIV

God does not overlook “locker room talk.” It’s not okay to say things simply because we want to impress the other guys or get that much desired laugh. Coarse joking may be acceptable within our social circles, but it’s not acceptable to God, He leaves no allowance for it. If He doesn’t, we shouldn’t either. It’s not okay to look the other way and excuse comments simply because they are spoken in an environment where such words are common place. Ephesians says we should not partner with those who say these things. In other words, don’t align yourself with them and don’t participate in their conversations.

For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. Ephesians 8:11 ESV

Paul goes a step farther in saying it’s not enough just to abstain from participating in such conversations, we should speak up and call it what it is. That’s a tough but necessary road to walk. Are you the kind of person that people know won’t laugh at the obscene joke or comment? Do others refrain from telling you gossip because they know you’ll confront them with the inappropriateness of their need to share? Do people hesitate to speak poorly of others in your presence? While we need to speak out, we too must guard our words and be sure our correction is done with honesty and gentleness rather than condemnation and self righteousness. We need to join in the prayer of the psalmist:

Set a guard over my mouth, LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 NIV

Only God can help us control our tongues!

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6 ESV