Words That Give Grace
Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29
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When Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus in chapter 4, he instructed them about how to live differently from the way the ungodly do: don’t steal, work honestly, give generously, etc. In this verse, however, he teaches about the importance of the words they speak, a message just as applicable to believers in the twenty-first century as to those early Christians. For most of us, “foul or abusive language” isn’t what trips us up. Instead, it’s the critical, judgmental, unloving, harsh, or subtly sarcastic words that slip out from time to time and tear down the people around us (especially those we are closest to). Paul holds us to a higher standard: speak only words that are encouraging and words that build others up. In a moment of conflict, irritation, or frustration, less-than-helpful words can so easily slip out of our mouths. Oh, how we need the Holy Spirit to work Christ’s gentleness and love in our hearts so that the words we speak will truly be words that give grace.
Prayers:
LORD, may my heart and words today be full of encouragement and may they give grace to others. Work your gentleness and patience in me so that I won’t be so quick to respond in ways that don’t honor you. “May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Quotes:
OH GOD, STAY WITH ME; LET NO WORD CROSS MY LIPS THAT IS NOT YOUR WORD, NO THOUGHTS ENTER MY MIND THAT ARE NOT YOUR THOUGHTS.
Malcolm Muggeridge (1903–1990)
The One Year Bible Readings for today are: Isaiah 48:12–50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18 and Proverbs 24:5-6.
