Speaking with grace
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29
More times than we want to admit, we don’t think about the words coming out of mouths. Especially if we’re tired or angry or even just too comfortable. Words can leave a mark that lasts for years and decades in a person’s mind, their meaning changing how they see themselves or life in general.
And there are different kinds of marks. It can be something beautiful that you chose to be brave and share with them (or that was easy to say)! It can be something that came from a place of pent up anger and finally flew out of your mouth. Or it could’ve been something that was just carelessly tossed out in conversation - and then you wished you could’ve taken it back.
God knows the power of words. His Word is eternal, lasting long after creation falls (1 Peter 1:24-25). He is the Word (John 1:1). And by his word, the universe was created (Hebrews 11:3).
So when God cautions us to guard our words, we listen.
1. Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths.
Corrupting is a very strong word. Other translations say “unwholesome talk.” Either way the meaning is clear - don’t use your words for evil.
They are the words that leave the indelible bad mark that is hard for someone else to erase, the words that lead to evil thoughts and evil desires. They are the opposite of the effect we want to have in the world.
We all have those hurtful marks, the words from someone else that we try to ignore, but have stuck around for a while. And we all have those regrets of words we wish we could retract.
And God hears all the prayers of pain and remorse over heavy and harmful words. Which makes his plea all the more meaningful.
2. Only say words that are good for building up, as fits the occasion.
That is what should come out of our mouths. What is good. What builds up.
But we all know as humans that it can be extremely hard to continually keep the filter on.
Jesus knows that. And that’s why he calls us to take it a step further. We don’t stop corrupting talk at the gates of our mouths. Most times it’s too late to stop it there.
We don’t need a filter over our mouths. We need it over our hearts.
'The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45
If we stop corrupting things from entering our minds and our hearts, there’s little to no chance it will ever leave our mouths.
We instead let God’s Word and his goodness into our heart, letting it soften and mold us into his image. We think of what is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, and worthy of praise (Philippians 4:8).
And from there, our words are seasoned, knowing how to answer in a way that will fit the occasion, how to answer each person, building them up when they feel beaten down, giving them strength when they feel like giving up - words that are gracious (Colossians 4:6)…
3. Let your words give grace to those who hear.
What gift to we want our words to give to others? God is very specific. With our words, we are able to give the gift of grace.
When we speak with grace, it’s like a fresh breeze giving all a sigh of relief to those listening, a light in a darkened room sharing hope with those around, and an aroma of assurance comforting those who are weak.
Grace is what saved us. (Ephesians 2:8)
We don’t speak uplifting words because we make grace. We speak it because we have been given grace.
It comes from a heart that has been basking in the glory of God, dwelling with him daily, gazing upon his beauty and talking to him (Psalm 27:4).
How can we not share sweet words that have been given to us, words sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103)!
Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. (Proverbs 16:24)
This is what God wants us to share with others. And through words of grace, we can lead others to giver of grace.
It’s the life of a follower of Christ, one who knows God dearly and chooses to live in his grace.
This verse is from the book of Ephesians, a book full of reminders of how to live the beautiful life God has given us in Christ and everything Christ has done for us to be with him!
If you want a companion to study with, grab our Ephesians Bible study journal in our shop and enjoy the precious time of knowing God’s sweet words!
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