Scripture:
Ephesians 4:29-32 ESV
[29] Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [32] Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Observation:
I really like the letter to the Ephesians. It’s not very long, and you can read through it in under an hour. Not to mention, there is a lot of good stuff in it. There is some corrections. But I believe that everything Paul says is designed to build up this church. The first part of the verses that have been chosen this morning comes from the heart of love that Paul has for them. His guidance suggests that they need to be careful of the words that they are speaking. Not just throwing around words that will warn those who hear them, but carefully speaking in a manner that builds them up. Always keeping grace at the front of the conversation. He goes on to say that it’s possible to grieve the Holy Spirit. I want to take a little rabbit trail here for a minute. Going back to Acts Chapter 2, we see that the Holy Spirit gave Peter boldness but enabled him to speak in a manner that he had not spoken before. Bringing correction but with the intention of building those he was speaking up so that they might become kingdom-minded. So, to grieve the Holy Spirit would be to speak in a manner that is opposite of that. Creating an opportunity for bitterness, anger, and discontent. Paul’s instructions for this church are to let all that be a part of your past. It has really no place in the life of a Spirit-filled believer. So, being kind to one another. Forgiving those who have wronged you and speaking life into them. Let your heart be tender and show the same grace and mercy that has been given to you.
Application:
It’s easy to get caught up in our emotions and want to rip someone apart with our words. Saying things we don’t mean… even if they are true. Sometimes, it’s how they are said that does the damage. I think it’s important to remember that we are all sowing seeds… the seeds we sow are the words we say, and the crop we yield depends on the seeds we sow. The question then becomes, “Do you want to sow weeds or wheat?” I think correction is necessary at times. But I also think the way it is done will determine whether or not it is received or not. If it is out of bitterness, then the correction may not be received. But if it is said in a manner that is intended to build others up. With carefully guided words. It is more likely to have a greater effect. I’m going to be honest here and say that after 14 years of walking with Jesus… this is still something I’m working on. Correction is never an easy part of what we do, and setting our emotions aside when it is done is even harder. But it’s not an option it’s a requirement. We never want to leave someone bitter. Or correct out of bitterness. Our speech should always be seasoned with grace. Be careful with the seeds we plant. Because we never know the condition of the soil we are casting into. It may be ready to receive weeds but not wheat. My suggestion… and this is for myself as well as those reading. To sift through the seeds carefully and remove the weeds before you cast them out. The book of Proverbs says the power of life and death are held within the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. So take the time to build your brothers and sisters up today. Use and choose your words carefully. It’s OK to be bold and speak the truth. Just do it showing the same grace you have been given. Don’t let bitterness and malice be a part of it at all.
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for this word this morning, and we ask you to forgive us for the words that we have spoken that did not build those around us up. We ask that you help us to guard the words we say. We never want blessing and cursing to come from the same heart. Help us to build those around us up and not tear them down. I have failed you in this recently and know that this word was for me this morning. So I thank you for using your word to shape my words. You are such an amazing father, and your love is beyond my comprehension. It’s in the mighty name of Jesus I pray amen.