Devotion 2: Words are Hard!

I am not one of those people who feels the weight of words. Most of the time, I cannot even remember the conversation I had just five minutes ago. (That is the opposite of my wife. She can remember word for word, a conversation we had five years ago. It is a superpower.) It takes effort for me to slow down and really think my words through. Here in Ephesians, Paul is saying that words actually do matter in every circumstance, and we need to be mindful of them.  

Ephesians 4:29 says, “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.” 

Paul is getting real with us here about the power of our words. He is essentially saying, “Hey, watch what comes out of your mouth!” You know what? He is onto something big here. 

Think about it. How often do we let negative, hurtful, or just plain old gossip-filled words slip out? It is so easy to get caught up in complaining, criticizing, or tearing others down. However, Paul is reminding us that our words have consequences. They have power to either teardown or to build up. 

So, what kind of talk should be coming out of our mouths? Paul has clear instruction for us. He says our talk should be good for building others up! Our words should be like little bricks, stacking up to create something strong and beautiful - not ripping down what has already been built. 

Here is the kicker: our words should fit the occasion. We need to be mindful of the situation we are in and the people we are talking to. Sometimes, a joke just might lighten the mood, but other times, a word of encouragement or a listening ear might be needed most. 

Here is the best part: when we use our words to build up others (when we speak words of grace and kindness), it is not just good for them; it is good for us, too! Paul says our words should “give grace to those who hear.” That means when we speak life-giving words, we are spreading grace and showing others God’s love and goodness.  

As we go about our day today, let us remember the power of our words. Let us choose to speak words that build up, encourage, and spread grace like wildfire. When we do this, we are not just making the world a better place for others, but we are living out the love of Christ in a tangible way. That, my friends, is something worth talking about.