“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them” (Ephesians 4:29)

The Message version reads: “Say only what helps, each word a gift.” This is thought-provoking. In plain words, the right words gifts life to its hearers. Proverbs 6:2-3 says: “If you have been trapped by the words of your lips, ensnared by the words of your mouth, then do this, my son, to free yourself…” Words can trap anyone (even us), making someone helpless or without progress, but the right words can set free! Such is the grace that truthful words bring. The psalmist sang these words about Christ which continually liberate us: “He spoke the word that healed you, that pulled you back from the brink of death” (Psalmist 107:20). Romans 15:4 also reveals: "For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.” The words of God are words of encouragement! So, Ephesians 5:19-20 says we should be “addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart.”

The right words minister grace to its listeners, and in grace there we find the power that builds up. David once sang: “This is my comfort in my affliction, that Your word has revived me and given me life” (Psalm 119:50). God desires that we speak “good and helpful” words, not abusive or condemning words. Father, teach me to speak as You speak, for the words You speak are full of the spirit and life. Amen.

#goodmorning

BeEncouraged❤ Freely received. Freely shared