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November 4 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, 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. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:29-32. As we walk this earth we are to demonstrate the power and grace of the new creation within us. Our mouth is often the indicator of what progress, or what failure, we are demonstrating. I have often heard gossip and bitterness expressed toward fellow members of the body of Christ, and I know very well that I have sometimes been a part of these foolish and harmful things. There is nothing more destructive to our witness than an uncontrolled mouth. We are to speak words that are edifying to those who hear. Can we find reason to praise those with whom we might disagree? Can we be pleased with the progress of our fellow Christians as we see the Lord working in their lives? Or do we harbor jealousies when a brother or sister receives more honors than we think they deserve? Do we want all honor to go to ourselves? Often these jealous motives lead to cruel words from our mouth? Instead we are to be marked by our tender hearts, our kindness and our forgiveness that is extended to others. That is in demonstration of the Holy Spirit within us. Oh, that I could do this more and more each day! Father, let me control my mouth today. Let me be silent and listen. Let me be marked as a person of grace and forgiveness toward others. All this is possible in Christ. May I be a reflection of Him. Thank You and Amen. |
