Good morning. Today’s Bible verse is Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.”
Take a few moments to read Ephesians 4:25-32. In this passage, Paul encourages believers to live in accordance with the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. After reading, take time to meditate on today’s verse, and reflect on the words you use and the way you express them.
Our culture has become stilted, coarse, and vulgar. The ability to communicate intelligently is almost nonexistent. The “so-called” leaders of society use offensive terms and lewd references in everyday communication and public speeches. Sadly, the vulgarity of culture has infected even those in evangelical circles.
Dear brothers and sisters, as believers in the Body of Christ, we should refrain from living according to a debased and corrupt culture. We have a higher calling, and our communication should reflect our identity as followers of the gospel of grace. As Paul notes in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one (NKJV).”
We all struggle in this area, but we should strive to follow Paul’s teachings with the help of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, before you speak, think about your role as a representative of Christ’s Body. Make sure your words are filled with love for one another in the Body and reflect the grace of the gospel to those outside.
The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Eph 4:29.
Reflection: What message do your words communicate?