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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:29 – 32

Again, consider our mouths, how we use ours.  We should be careful not to use our mouths for unwholesome talk. 

But build others up by considering their needs, not ours!  Listen, then respond.  Be ever so careful with what you speak because before you know it you may grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  We would not dream of breaking that seal so we must always speak the truth, and live the truth.

Then Paul moves to a deeper level, where all thoughts come from. He is writing to believers, like us!  He begs us to get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  That well covers it quite well!  It is not only possible for a believer to speak and behave like this, but it is forbidden for a child of God to do so.

Instead, Paul teaches, Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Be kind always.  Be compassionate to each other.  Forgive each other, just like Christ forgave you!

It is as simple yet as profound as that.  I try to imagine what it would be like if all of us believers actually did this. I think specifically of forgiving others as we are forgiven.  If all of us believers would, say, tomorrow, obey this word of truth, a light would shine in this world as never before!  Lord, forgive us for not obeying your sure word.