Speech and Forgiveness

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Words matter. The manner in which you speak, the words you choose and the timing of what you say should reflect God’s generosity and grace in your life.

Paul says to leave behind the old way you behaved before you accepted Christ and, “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24). Our speech should be generously kind and helpful, not unwholesome and destructive. Sometimes this means not talking at all—but keeping generously quiet.

Generosity always costs something. It’s hard to be generous with words when someone else is not generous with us. Generosity and forgiveness go hand in hand.  Paul says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Part of God’s generosity is the gift of the Holy Spirit who indwells us and helps us do what God asks (Ephesians 3:20).

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Memorize Ephesians 3:20, “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.” Ask God to help you be generous with your words and forgiving to those who have hurt you.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.