Your Words Matter.

In Ephesians 4: 17-32, the Apostle Paul gives instruction on how Christians ought to live. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are called to throw off our old sinful nature, and put on a new nature that is righteous and holy. Paul explains in detail what that looks like, contrasting the old nature with the new.

One of the things that jumped out at me was how our new nature impacts the words we say.

Truthful words.

 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth…

~Ephesians 4:25

Lies provide a short-term benefit at a long-term cost. The consequences may be mild or severe, but there will be consequences. Proverbs 19:9 says, “A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who breathes out lies will perish.” 

In contrast, telling the truth may have short-term costs, but it provides long-term benefits. The truth is liberating and empowering. Jesus said in John 8:31-32, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.“

Ephesians 4:15 tells us to “…speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ…”

The truth matters. As Christians we should commit ourselves to speaking the truth in love in all circumstances.

Gentle words.

If you want to say something you’ll regret, speak when you’re angry. Anger puts us into a kind of auto-pilot, where words are formed by intense emotion rather than logical thought. It causes us to utter words that are indelicate at best, and downright hurtful at worst.

Don’t use foul or abusive language…

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Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior.

~Ephesians 4: 29 & 31

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

~Proverbs 15:4

Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

~Colossians 4:6

We need to be mindful of what we say, and also how we say it. We should be careful not to lash out at others, even when we think they deserve it. When you’re angry, sometimes the best thing to say is nothing at all.

Encouraging words.

If we are careless with our words, they can do serious damage to others, but if we chose our words wisely, we can build people up. Use words that encourage and inspire; avoid words that tear people down.

…Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

~Ephesians 4:29

So let us do all we can to live in peace. And let us work hard to build up one another.

~Romans 14:19

Imagine if everyone was committed to saying only things that were good, helpful, and encouraging. The world would change overnight. Obviously you can’t control what anyone else does, but you can make that commitment. I guarantee it will have a positive effect on your life.

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The words you use matter. Are your words truthful? Are they gentle and loving? Do they encourage those who hear them? Put off the old nature, and put on the new. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you say only what is good, and helpful, and encouraging.