Family
Ephesians 4:29-32
“29 Do
not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is
helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may
benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God,
with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all
bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form
of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each
other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
What
would it look like if we only spoke in ways that built others up, helped
their current need, and benefited anyone in earshot? How would it be if
all our words were kind, compassionate, absent of all anger,
bitterness, or the hint of criticizing others? The Holy Spirit within us
desires to be expressed through our words in this way. We know from the
book of Proverbs that the tongue has the power of life or death (18:11), and the Spirit would have us speak life.
Our
flesh can tend to speak selfishly, venting a tone of annoyance or
criticism. This is especially easy with those whom we are most familiar
such as family members or when talking about those whom are not present
at the time. But a follower of Christ can practice pausing and listening
to the Spirit within, letting Him guide our response. A helpful word of
compassion can change a situation and turn a heart. Hearing words of
life isn’t just beneficial to the recipient, but encourages anyone who
may happen to overhear.
Once
words are spoken, they cannot be recalled. We may ask forgiveness for
what we say, but the effects of the words may remain. An object lesson
often used by classroom teachers involves a large tube of toothpaste and
a paper plate. Each student is invited to squeeze some toothpaste onto
the plate. Student by student, with varying squeezes, the tube and plate
are passed around until all have had a turn, and the tube is nearly
empty. Then comes the second direction. The plate will be passed around
again. This time, the students’ job is to put the toothpaste back into
the tube. The protests begin, “That’s impossible!” Some try to comply,
discovering the futility of the task. The analogy is then explained. Our
words, what we say to each other, is like that toothpaste. Once it’s
out, it’s out to stay.
So, consider what comes out of your mouth. Pray it be helpful and kind, Spirit led words of life.
With whom or in what circumstance do you most need to draw on the Spirit in order to speak in a way that builds up?
Carolyn Vinton,
Wilton, 14 years at Hope
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