Friday, October 14 – Ephesians 4:29

Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

 

When we read Scripture, there are some verses that cut straight to the heart. We read them and immediately see our sin struggle. This verse is convicting because few of us can say we always use our words to edify. Most of us recognize how words can be used to build up or tear down but still, it is hard to direct our words to glorify God.

 

This is where we need to call on the Holy Spirit to transform us every day. When we see a friend struggling, we may not know the right words to say. When we are in the heat of anger, it’s hard to train our tongues on our own. Only through God’s transformation of our lives can we consistently use words that build up. Through Him, we can listen to where people are so we can truly respond “according to the need of the moment.” Only through Him can we truly have self-control so that we can “let no unwholesome word come out of [our mouths].” It is His Spirit that will truly “give grace to those who hear.” A lot of times, we want to live for ourselves, depending on God for the big things but trying to take care of the small things, like our speech, on our own. When we are in Him, we are dependent on Him in all things, including “small” things like how we use our words.

 

• What would it look like to take the weight of your words seriously?
• Why is it important to ask God for help with our words?
• Pray and repent for the times this week you have let an unwholesome or unedifying word come out of your mouth. Ask God to transform your language.