Communications With Purpose

Ephesians 4:29-30 ESV
“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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.”

Christians need to make a conscious effort to live differently, act differently and speak differently than the worldly do. We have to be the voice of reason, the ones that make sense, the ones who speak with purpose and also directed by God.

Listen to Paul’s words, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths…” there is no excuse for “I just had to say it even if it hurt them.”

His next statement fills in where his first statement leaves off, “but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” So, if we feel like we have to say something in order to correct a situation, make sure it builds them up, and that it is the time to say it, and it is seasoned with grace.

How do we grieve the Holy Spirit in our communications? By saying things that Jesus would not have said, or saying things that tear people down or crush their spirit. Those things will ring in the hearer’s mind forever.

How many of you right now remember when someone said something mean to you that you never forgot? It grieved you and it grieved the Holy Spirit.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, live in me and through me. Guide my words today. “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalms 19:14)