What, Paul, More Rules?

But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. Ephesians 5:3&4

What no coarse jesting? What, Paul, more rules? This must be from his days as a junior Pharisee. Didn't Paul say all things are lawful now? Yes and yes, but Paul also wrote much about love, and love is where the apostle's command comes from. Not every believer has toughened their faith through trial and recovery as some older brothers and sisters have in these later days. As our Lord Jesus will not break the tender shoot then neither should we, and love is the reason behind that.

In my days, oh about 30 years ago and more, I learned the Marine enlisted idiom all too well. Ministers say that a brother should not speak like a sailor but that is the mild version. Our siblings in Christ definitely should not speak like enlisted Marines! Paul did not give the command to avoid rough talk out of his Pharisee training, he gave it out of love for those who might stumble in their faith hearing a brother or sister in Christ speak that sort of rough idiom that I for one struggle with to this day. Is it against the law? No, not any longer, but that is only because love, in those two great commandments our Lord quoted, takes care of how we must speak and act to all of our neighbors and the Lord our God. Lawful obedience cannot save us, but it surely does show His work in us!

Have a great day in Christ Jesus,
Bucky