Our scripture this morning is Ephesians 4:29-30 (NLT).
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. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Paul has important lessons for early Christians (and us) in this chapter. In verses 25-32 he outlines new behaviors expected of Christ’s followers. Each of these has three parts – “don’t do this, do this instead and here’s why”.
Encouraging words seem few these days. Paul writes “let everything you say be good and helpful” and this requires thought and sometimes control on our part. Earlier in this chapter Paul said “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger” (Ephesians 4:26), which is a quote from Psalm 4:4. We need to remember this in the often verbally contentious world in which we live.
Perhaps the most important part of this lesson is that God “has identified you as His own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption”, the promise and sacrifice Jesus made for us. May we live out this promise through our love for Him.
Heavenly Father, we are sorry for our angry responses to each other and the division it produces. Help us to disagree rationally and in Your spirit. Amen.
