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
Read: Ephesians 4:17-32
Listen: Ephesians 4
TODAY’S MESSAGE
James says words can wreak havoc like a fire (James 3:6). Think for a moment about the power of fire. All it takes is a careless spark to set a forest ablaze. Fire can have a devastating impact. Yet, fire can also be a good thing. Many of us heat and cook with a form of fire. We drive vehicles that rely on a type of fire for propulsion. Fire isn’t bad. What matters is controlling fire and using it for the right things.
But our words also have the potential to build each other up in Christ. Paul tells us that we have an opportunity to use words to encourage each other. One of our roles as part of a church community is to use our words in a way that causes those around us to love Jesus more. Like a controlled fire that heats our home, cooks our food or powers our vehicles, our words should be used for good. We’re called to use them for Jesus.
Commit to using words to build others up. Maybe that’s speaking up more in small group, stepping up to lead a small group, serving children in Discovery Village or helping people feel welcomed through hospitality. God has uniquely created, gifted and called us for service. There are many opportunities to use our words to build each other up.
TODAY: Is there someone you need to apologize to today for how your words have negatively affected them? Find an appropriate way to apologize and ask God for forgiveness as well. When we ask God for forgiveness, he gives it to us (1 John 1:9).
Learn about the relationship of faith and words in this week’s Beyond the Weekend podcast with Pastor Brad Holmes and other staff. Listen HERE.
JESUS IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
Read Genesis 18-20. Highlight anything that points to Jesus.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
