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Paul exhorts the Ephesians to be followers of God, as dear children. (Ephesians 5:1) He then spends the rest of the chapter explaining what this means in practical ways, and part of being followers of God includes words that are spoken.

Never should a believer be known to speak filthy talk or coarse jokes but should instead be known for being grateful. (Ephesians 5:3). A believer should not be a liar or deceiver, for because of these come the wrath of God. (Ephesians 5:6). This makes sense because believers are ambassadors for the living God (2 Corinthians 5:20) and how do you think God would want His representatives to speak? God desires His people to speak as though they are actually His mouthpieces.

"And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Ephesians 5:19-21) These are the words that and attitude God yearns for His people to use when they communicate.

Who do you know that is walking close with the LORD? How do they speak? Do they speak kind words, grateful words, loving words? How do you feel when you are with them and they speak to you? Are you encouraged?

Even as wrong speech can bring the judgment of God, so do pleasant words bring health to the bones, for they are sweet to the soul. You are an ambassador of the LORD to a world that needs what He has. Be the best one you can be. (VAL)