What Comes Out of the Mouth
Introduction: Speaking the Truth in Love
I want to speak plainly today—because what I’m seeing in the world, and even creeping into the church, troubles me deeply. This isn’t a message of judgment, but one of love. I’m not aiming to shame anyone, but to wake us up to something we’ve allowed to slide far too long.
Our words matter.
There’s been a slow erosion of decency in our everyday conversations—words that used to shock are now shrugged off. Crude jokes, profanity, insults, and bitterness have become normal. And too often, even those of us who love the Lord find ourselves slipping into the same patterns, just to “fit in.”
But Jesus had something different to say. He told us it’s not what goes into our mouths that defiles us—but what comes out (Matthew 15:11). Our words reveal our hearts. And if our hearts belong to Christ, then shouldn’t our speech reflect Him?
This isn’t about being religious or uptight—it’s about being real with ourselves, and honest before God. Because I believe we’re called to more.
1. What Self-Control Looks Like
In Galatians 5, Paul lists self-control as one of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23). It’s often the one we gloss over, but I think it’s one of the most visible signs of a life surrendered to God.
It’s not just about resisting temptation in the big, dramatic moments—self-control shows up in the little things. In how we respond when we’re angry. In what we say when someone cuts us off, or when someone wrongs us. In the jokes we tell. In the stories we pass along.
Our words are the overflow of our hearts. And if the Spirit is living in us, then self-control should be one of the first things people notice.
2. What Our Words Reveal
Jesus said, “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” (Luke 6:45). That’s a hard truth, but a freeing one—because it means we don’t have to guess what’s really going on inside. Our words tell the story.
That’s why Paul warned us in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up… that it may give grace to those who hear.”
We weren’t saved to tear people down—we were saved to lift people up. Our speech should sound different from the world, not because we’re trying to act superior, but because our hearts are being renewed by Christ.
3. A Question of Witness
One of the hardest things to watch is when someone who claims Christ speaks like someone who doesn’t know Him at all. And I say that with a heavy heart, because I’ve been there. I’ve caught myself saying things I later had to confess—not just to God, but to people I’d hurt with careless words.
James puts it plainly: “With [our tongue] we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God… My brothers, these things ought not to be so” (James 3:9–10).
The world is watching us. Our families are listening. Our coworkers hear us. And our witness depends on the consistency between what we say about God and what we say to each other.
4. A Call to Holiness, Not Legalism
This isn’t about walking on eggshells. It’s not about making a list of “forbidden” words or policing other people’s conversations. It’s about being holy as He is holy (1 Peter 1:16). It’s about choosing to reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus even in our smallest words.
We’ve been given the Holy Spirit not just to comfort us, but to transform us. That includes our tongues. That includes our tone. That includes the words we speak when we’re hurt, angry, tired, or joking around.
And thank God—He gives us grace as we grow. None of us gets this perfect. But each of us is called to keep pressing toward it.
Prayer
Father,
Search my heart, and let me hear what my words are truly saying. Forgive me for the times I’ve spoken in anger, pride, or carelessness. Thank You that Your grace covers me—not to excuse sin, but to empower me to walk in righteousness.
Teach me self-control, Lord. Let Your Holy Spirit lead not just my actions, but my tongue. I want my speech to reflect the new life You’ve given me. Let my words be full of grace and truth. Let them bring life. Let them point to You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.