God’s Heart Today (G♥️T)
A Daily Devotional with David Olatona
15/09/2020
YOUR WORDS AS A TOOL
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)
As we all know, the tongue is hard to control. (James 3:1-12; Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 21:23). By the help of the Holy Spirit, it is possible to control the tongue. When the tongue is brought under the control of the Lord, we will use it is the right manner. We must never use the tongue to tear down. When we gossip, say hurtful things to people, use the truth as a club to wound and hurt others, and say things that discourage, disappoint and harm others, we are using our tongues in a way that displeases the Lord.
The words of our mouth can be used for
edification, meaning “to build up.” When the heart is right, the tongue will reveal it by speaking words that help others grow. We will edify others by being helpful, uplifting, encouraging, constructive and by being a blessing to other. There may be times when our speech must be corrective in nature. Even when those times arise, we will say what we must say from a heart of love, with the goal of helping the other person grow in the relationship with Christ.
(Psalms 141:3).
In this text, Paul is dealing the area of our speech. The things we say, and how we say them, are the indication of the condition of our heart. When the heart is right, our words will be right. When our hearts are out of step with the Lord, our words will reveal that too. (Matthew 12:34–37). If you sincerely need help in the area of your words, talk to God about the matter today and trust the Lord to alter our words for His glory.
Confession
Father in heaven, help me to purify my words, that I will always speak the truth in love. Amen.
Prayer
I receive grace to be conscious of what comes out of my mouth. Amen.
Additional Reading
Psalms 39:1-2
James 1:26