Sometimes, we have a habit of grabbing some inconsequential item from the store shelf and stuffing it in our coat pocket or purse. However, God considers this behavior as stealing. He prefers that we work to earn money to buy what we want instead (Ephesians 4:28).
Many times, we find it effective to use corrupt words to communicate our feelings. We see no harm in this, and we may even chuckle once the words fly from our mouth. However, God finds these words offensive. He desires that we use words as edification and to minister His grace and love to the hearer (Ephesians 4:29).
Obscenities, foolish talk, crude joking, and the like are out of character for a Born Again Believer. These odious words and actions, as well as other seemingly harmless activities, actually grieve the Holy Spirit, who seals us until the day of our complete redemption – salvation, sanctification, glorification (Ephesians 4:30).
The words of a fool and evil people attempt to destroy us, but using wise words is gracious and acceptable to the hearer and to the Lord (Ecclesiastes 20:12; Matthew 12:34). We can find many positive words that express gratitude, a job well done, and to edify each other especially through God’s Word (Ephesians 5:4).
These words lead to peace and mutual instruction. We build up one another and we bless each other for our common good (Romans 14:19, 15:2). With the help of God’s Spirit, we walk away from anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language that defile our body, soul, and spirit (Colossians 3:8).
We consult the Lord on how to react in a negative experience, using gracious words “seasoned with salt” (Colossians 4:6). His Spirit fills us with every good thing that we need to accomplish God’s plans for our life in an enriching and gracious way. Our unity with the Trinity of God increases more each day.
Prayer:
Father God, thank You for pouring Your grace out through our lips, for allowing us to be examples of Your true disciples, and for blessing us abundantly in every area of our life (Psalm 45:2). You perfect us for the work of Your ministry to the world around us, as well as for edifying the entire Body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12-16).
Help Your light to shine within us before our family, friends, neighbors, community, and our influence in the world, so they will see our good works and glorify You (Matthew 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12). Teach us how to tame our tongue so it is not a fire that causes a blaze of iniquity that wounds other people and grieves Your Holy Spirit (James 3:6).
Thought for the Day:
When we use our tongue to flatter rather than to encourage, and our thoughts are distracted by wicked feelings and actions, there is no faithfulness in our mouth (Psalm 5:9). We use our tongue for mischief and deceit, and like a sharp razor we cut people down rather than lift them up (Psalm 52:2). Practicing using our words for righteousness, wisdom, and justice allows God to pour grace on our tongue and blessings on our life (Psalm 37:30-31).
