Let nothing foul or dirty come out of your mouth. Say only what helps, each word a gift. Make a clean break with all cutting, backbiting, profane talk. Be gentle to one another, sensitive. That is not always easy, as we still have our old, sinful natures to contend with.
Self wants to rise up and get in the fray.
Christians serve an awesome God, who goes before us, shielding us. He is our strong tower. That doesn't mean the attacks don't hurt. They are, of course, designed by the enemy to crush us, defeat us, keep us from victory and from moving forward with our God. And as I was reminded this week, we can know when we are gaining ground in enemy territory, when we start to draw fire.