Devotion 6: Words Matter

January 25, 2025 5:00 AM
Lesson Three | Devotion 6: Words Matter  
Zach Honnen 

Growth looks different for every single one of us. No believer, no person is exactly alike. Each and every one of us has our own struggles, pitfalls, and besetting sins. However, each one of us is called to grow in our faith, in our relationship with Christ, and in our sanctification. Today, I want to hone in on what it looks like to grow and how we manage our mouths. To continue this study, let us look at our passage for today’s devotional. 

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.” 

We are all in a different place regarding how we talk. For example, I struggled with managing my language when I was younger, whereas my brother had no such issue. Yet, that is no excuse for any of us. Each one of us needs to learn to tame our tongue. “Corrupting talk” within the Greek refers to something that is foul, such as rotted fruit or putrid meat. Our words can bring life or the smell of death, depending on what we say and how we say things. If you have ever smelled rotten meat or had a rotten conversation, you know what this passage is talking about. For some of us, corrupt talk is using foul curse words. For some of us, it is the use of inappropriate jokes or comments. For others, it could even be gossip, but these things should not be on the lips of a Christian. It is not in Christ’s character. 

So, what then should be on our lips? Well, the apostle Paul says, “Only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” 

As Christians, we are supposed to speak life and grace to one another and use words that fit the occasion. This passage does not tell us to be pushovers and never to speak, but it tells us that when we speak, it must be done as a Christian. It must be as if Christ is speaking. Jesus says, “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). This means power under control, which is what we are called to do. The tongue is mighty; it is like the rudder of a ship. It has the power to direct and lead people in different ways, and with that power must come great control. Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, an area we all must grow in as we live out our Christian faith.  

This week, I ask you to pray to God and ask Him to help tame your tongue. Spend time paying attention to what you say, reflecting on what you say, and either repenting or glorifying God for it. Out of the heart the mouth speaks (Luke 6:45), so, maybe it is time to ask God to clean out your heart and remember we are all at different places in our journey. For some of us, this is not a hard thing. For others, it is years of habits that we must overcome. So, remember to always have grace towards our brothers and sisters, and even non-believers, when it comes to the area of controlling the tongue.  

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