“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is a good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it might give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
O to be a channel or an instrument by which God’s grace can be delivered to someone who needs it! All grace is God’s grace. God is free in the bestowing of His grace, meaning that He alone determines when, where, how, and by whom He will grant grace. The receiving of grace is such a wonder, and the graciousness of God such a treasure. God has freely determined and ordained various means by which He grants and delivers grace to us. Among the most prominent of these means is prayer and His Word. Yet there are many other means. The one mentioned here in Ephesians 4:29 is our words. This is so amazing to me. This passage is not saying that we simply repeat words found in the Bible, although when we do they are especially full of grace, but rather we are speaking our own words, words that meet the needs of the moment. Our words, as imperfect as they are, can be a means of God’s grace to those who need it.
No wonder God’s Word speaks so often about the character of our words. Jesus warned us that we will give an account for every careless word. James writes about how even though wild animals can be tamed, the tongue is far more difficult to tame. Our words, if not governed by the Spirit of God, and carefully controlled to be edifying, can actually have the reverse effect and be poisonous and destructive. The book of Proverbs tells us that where there are many words, sin is not absent. If it weren’t for the glorious potential that our words can bring grace to those who need it, we would be better off remaining silent. But that we can have grace filled, grace delivering words, we ought to speak as much as we can, but only that which will edify and encourage.
O Lord, thank you that there is so much potential blessing and help and power in words. Grant me, I pray, boldness to speak, yet always sober to the dangers of misspoken words, or words that would tear down or destroy. Be glorified, O Lord, in delivering your grace through the simple, humble speaking of edifying words.
{ 0 comments… add one now }