“Never let evil talk pass your lips; say only the good things men need to hear, things that will really help them. Do nothing that will sadden the Holy Spirit with whom you were sealed against the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, all passion and anger, harsh words, slander, and malice of every kind. In place of these, be kind to one another, compassionate, and mutually forgiving, just as God has forgiven you in Christ” (Ephesians 4:29-32)

How often we speak evil in our conversation with others, rather than words that would bless and benefit them. A word, a joke, a negative criticism, a hurtful remark, all unnecessary and easily avoided, if we learn to take captive our thoughts. We fail to remember that we and they are Temples of the Holy Spirit. It is just as easy to speak words of love and encouragement, words that build the other up, as to speak words of destruction that belittle the other. Instead of being “one of the boys”, it is more productive to be a witness of Jesus in word and deed. Try it today.