Main Text
Ephesians 4:17-32
Watchword
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.
Ephesians 4:29 (NKJV)
Words are fundamental to our lives. We use words to share, to create, to love, to define ourselves, and to build societies and worlds. We live through words and yet because words are so powerful, they also have the potential for great harm. Social media technologies show us that, don’t they? Social media gives a far-reaching voice to our words, and yet it also distorts our voice. Social media magnifies our words and diminishes them at the same time (Ephesians 5:4).
Instead of using “corrupting” or negative talk, we are to speak in beneficial ways about meaningful things appropriate to the situation we are in. What might be completely acceptable in one situation and might be rude or unkind in another. The goal is to show grace to those who are listening to our words. We are not supposed to prioritize our own feelings, but make it our intention to help others through our words (Proverbs 10:21).
We should use our speech to build up and never to tear down. When we use our words in the wrong manner, it grieves the Holy Spirit. (Ephesians 4:30). That is, it causes Him “pain,” and it hinders our fellowship with Him. In other words, if you want your relationship with the Lord to be what it needs to be, learn to control your tongue. If you don’t make the effort to control the tongue, something is wrong at the very heart of your supposed relationship with God. (James 1:26 )
Confession
I mould, create, love, build, and impact my world. No longer will I tear people and my world apart in Jesus name. Amen.
Prayer
Help me to make use of my words appropriately and for your glory alone. Amen.
Additional Reading
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Psalms 37:30-31.