This is the fifth blog in the Christian purity for singles series! Yay! We’ve talked about breaking ungodly soul ties, purging our lives and spaces, clean thinking, and dressing for success in the Kingdom. This week I want to talk about the importance of us having pure interactions with others. We interact with others through our body language, our words, and our actions. We have a daily challenge to ensure that all aspects of our lives reflect Jesus Christ, His Spirit, His ways, and His will. Keep reading as we discuss how to honor God by having pure interactions with others.
Pure Interactions: Body Language
Yes, we communicate with our body language. Before we ever get the chance to speak with a person, we first observe their body language. After all, it’s how we form our initial perceptions of them. Our bodies speak volumes – sometimes against our will. From our facial expressions to our posture, we can reflect our current state of mind, or reflect the glory of God. Let’s remember:
For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.
My Body Language Struggle
I struggle at times with my body language. I can have a particularly angry resting face. Persons would often ask me what was wrong, and then they’d be surprised that I was OK. So, I try to smile at persons whenever I am in a pensive mood. That way, they won’t think that I’m angry at them.
I also used to fold my hands a lot, which gave a closed-off vibes. Now, I try to keep them clasped in my lap when sitting, or at my sides when standing. In order to keep my body language positive, I try to think pleasant thoughts – especially when I am around others. Our bodies always reveal our inner thoughts and mindsets. So, let’s be mindful about how we express ourselves through our body language, as it forms a part of our pure interactions with others.
Pure Interactions: Words
Words are very important and this is exemplified by the fact that God spoke the entire earth into existence.1 Our words shape our realities and they also influence the realities of others.
My mother would often tell me a Jamaican proverb: “Tek kin-teet kibber heart bun” which means to “Take laughter to counteract heart burn (or pain)”. Therefore, we need to laugh (or choose joy) in the face of difficult circumstances. Let’s resolve not to make negative statements out of anger or despair. Instead, let’s choose positive words that will uplift us and others.
However, it is not only negative words that we should avoid. We must beware that no unwholesome words come from our mouths. We should not engage in gossip, regardless of how “juicy” it seems. Remember: the Golden Rule also applies to our words. We would not like someone slandering us, so we should not slander others. Anything that we would be unwilling to say to someone’s face, we should not say it behind their back. Our integrity in our words must be constant regardless of the audience in which we find ourselves.
If we are to maintain our purity as singles, then we must also avoid flirtatious or lustful communication. Such words lead us and others into thoughts and actions that are unholy and destructive to our godly standing. It is never just words, it is never mere jesting. Here are some scriptures for us to consider:
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
So, our words matter a lot! I don’t want to end up on the wrong side of God’s judgment because of my words. I believe that we should all pray the following scripture daily:
Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth;
Keep watch over the door of my lips.
It’s not true that words cannot harm anyone. Therefore, let’s all watch our words!
Pure Interactions: Actions
Our actions are very important as they help to display our true intentions. We need to mindful that we are not engaging in sinful activities, or actions that could lead others into sin. These sinful actions include (but are not limited to):
Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like;
of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Furthermore, we know that “the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”2 Therefore, let’s ensure that our actions reflect the Fruit of the Spirit of God:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
The Apostle Paul instructs us to be holy as our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is holy.3 Holiness is possible for us because we are made to be the righteousness of God through Christ Jesus.4 So, let us live holy to the glory of God and the good of His Kingdom here on earth.
Pleasing God in All Our Ways
We are ambassadors of Christ. Therefore, the world is watching everything that we portray, say, and do. I encourage us to strive to have pure interactions in every department of our lives. We may be the only Bible that people will read, so let’s ensure that we are living pure before all men. We are known by our fruits. Let us keep in mind that:
You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles?
Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
Therefore by their fruits you will know them.
Let us ensure that we are always connected to the True Vine, Jesus Christ. As long we are connected to Him, we will bring forth good fruit in hundred folds.
May Jesus’ blessings, peace, and wisdom be upon us all.
Sophia.
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