Raising the Bar of Conversations

[S] Ephesians 5:3-4 --
 ³But immorality or any impurity or greed must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints;
 ⁴and there must be no filthiness and silly talk, or coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.

[O] Following yesterday's passage, Paul continues on about raising the standard of excellence for Christ followers.  This begins by avoiding immoral or impure thoughts in our hearts, not even mentioning any of that either.  Whenever we gathering around with other Christ followers we need to remember this passage of being very careful of what we talk about for fun or not because Paul's clear about one thing that we should give thanks to God and others instead of exchanging of unfitting words with one another.  This is very easy to do, however, and so must be careful not to fall into that mode.

[A] Verse 3 talks about how Christ followers must keep up the standard of their reputation and also to keep their conversations clean.  It's not that we have to use filthy or offensive words to fall into this category but also when we gossip and talk down on others we are guilty of what Paul charges us not to do.  I need to have more of an appreciation of people around me and to praise them with kind words.

[P] Dear God, please fill my heart with more gratitude about everything and everyone you've put around my life.  I want nothing more than the thankfulness come out of my mouth when I'm around others.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.