The Virtuous Life – Day 213 – Ephesians 4-29-32 – Building Others Up According To Their Needs – Growing As Disciples
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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:29-32 (NIV)
Guard My Words
That I need to do. What do you need to do? I need to carefully guard my words. I need to make certain that no unwholesome words come out of my mouth. What will you do with your words? How will you not use your words? How will you use your words? I’m beginning to understand that my words are a tool. My words can be used to either build up or tear down. What kind of words tear down? Words of fear and doubt tear down. Words of slander, judgement, and criticism tear down. Words of frustration, argument, and anger tear down. Bitter, evil, and immoral words tear down. Arrogant and prideful words tear down. None of these kinds of words are life giving. None of these words are worthy of thinking or speaking or acting on. You are correct. All these kinds of words grieve the Holy Spirit. You have called me to think and speak and act on words that build up, words that give life to all who hear them. That is exactly right.
What kinds of words build up? Words of hope and peace and joy build up. Words of encouragement build up. Words of faith build up. Words of love build up. Words that you give me to think or speak or act on will build others up according to their needs. You will give me words to think and speak and act on that will lift others up and spur them on. Yes, I will, you can be sure of that.
Where will life giving words that build others up come from? They will come from you. They will come from your word. As your word dwells in me richly, you will give me new words to think and speak and act on. As I meditate on your word and memorize your word, you will change my heart and transform my mind. You will replace my old thoughts and words and actions with those you want me to think and speak and act on. Yes, I will, let there be no doubt about that.
One more thought. What’s that? The new life-giving words that I give to you to think and speak and act on will not only be for the building up of others, but they will also build you up as well.
Holy Spirit, I do not want any of my thoughts, or words, or actions to grieve you. I don’t want any unwholesome words to come out of my mouth. I want my words to build others up according to their needs. Help me to be kind, compassionate and forgiving. Amen
Key Question… How are you using your words to build others up according to their needs?
Living It Out… Make every effort to live a kind, compassionate, and forgiving life that does not grieve the Holy Spirit.
Seeing It Happen… Have faith that the Holy Spirit will help you to live a kind, compassionate, forgiving life that does not grieve Him.
Get Ready To Share… Share with another person or your small group how your words are building others up according to their needs.
Prayer To Bless Others… Lord, I will build others up according to their needs.
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