Dear Hope family,

Thought for the Week

Avoiding godless chatter

1 Timothy 6v20 “Turn away from godless chatter.”

How much of what we say, read or listen to is “godless chatter”? Let me define “godless chatter” as conversation which does not have its basis in God. It is conversation that:

• is not truthful: I forget that I am accountable to God for telling the truth.
• is not helpful to others: I forget that God calls me to build others up.
• breaks confidence: I forget that I am accountable to God for keeping confidences.
• lacks hope: I forget that God is my Father and he is watching over me and will provide for me.
• makes plans and boasts: I forget God is in charge, not me.
• judges others: I forget that we are all accountable to God as judge.

In a similar vein, Colossians 4v6 says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” “Grace” is not judgmental, but gives the benefit of the doubt. “Salt” is not going to bring what is bad or destructive, but rather be wholesome and will endure and be healthy.

May the Lord enable us to avoid godless chatter and have conversations seasoned with salt.

With love and blessing,

Roland