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. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God….Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice, and be kind to one another. (Ephesians 4:29-32)
In today’s world of Facebook, Twitter, and instant media feeds around the globe we are constantly inundated with how a particular person may feel about another person or situation. We live in a world that can be full of negativity and even sometimes hate. As I was reading Adam Hamilton’s book, “When Christians Get It Wrong” I was intrigued by being taught that the greek form of the word grieve means to “inflict distress or sadness.” That is what we do to the Spirit of God when we use words that are not building up.
As a Director of Fusion Student Ministries at Edge Park UMC I have a certain set of “No No’s.” One of these rules is the “Words of Life Zone.” The basic parameters of this “zone” is that at our youth group meetings we use words that build each other up rather than bring down. A simple, yet necessary practice.
Consider the zones in our lives? Are those zones always building people up or bringing them down? Do we pay attention to hear what Jesus is telling us to do, how to live better each day?
If your anything like me then I would say no not all my life zones are positive.
We already exist in a cruel world that sometimes is fueled by vengeance. Can you imagine if we all tried to live a life that is full of words of life?
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.
There is so much need for building up as Paul says here. We could rebuild some lives that were broken down because of terrible tragedies. We can really change the world by building each other up brick by brick.
Almighty God,
Help us all to build up and not tear down. Help us to love as you love. Empty ourselves and fill us with your Holy Spirit, and help us to live our lives in such a way that we constantly point to the Cross of Christ, for its there that all our brokenness is made whole. Thank you Father. In your Sons Holy and Precious Name I pray.
Amen.