Pastor Tyrone S. Hillman, Jr
Ephesians 4:25-32 (NRSV)
Christians are called to be stewards of a sacred mystery to unify all things in Christ by speaking words that edify, construct, and build God’s will in everything. The words of our mouth are a critical instrument that the Holy Spirit uses to build by speaking God’s truth, ministering much needed grace, and offering Christ tenderness in all things.
Point #1: Speaking God’s truth. 25 So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members of one another.
Point #2: Ministering essential grace. Ephesians 4:29 (NRSV) 29 Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.
Point #3: Offering Christ tenderness. Ephesians 4:31-32 (NRSV) 31 Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, 32 and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Journaling Prompts: How should our new identity in Christ affect our language? Why is it important for believers to adopt words that build?
