Proverbs 21:23
Thoughts from Jodi Venhaus
Dive Deeper
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Ephesians 4:29
Behind the Scenes
The theme this week is taming your tongue. As we can see in the verses for today, this issue has absorbed the attention of Christians for the last two thousand years. Paul, the author of this letter to the Ephesians, urged believers to use their words to encourage others. Some writers have stated it this way: our words should bring glory to God.
We don’t need the eloquence of a polished public speaker or talented writer to have our words bring glory to God. Our words just need to be spoken in love. Easier said than done, right? Everyday when we wake, it helps to align ourselves with Jesus and pray for help in going through the day looking at our fellow humans as beings made in the image of God, worthy of dignity. This includes our spouses, children, our friends, our rivals, the strange person down the street, the rude person on the road.
How can we do this? It’s hard having our words bring glory to God when we have to confront people, when we deal with someone being mean, when we are tired and frustrated. Tapping into the grace and love of God to help us do this is often a moment-by-moment conscious decision.
Take a second before you speak that word in anger; consider the impact you will make before you tell that joke; weigh your motive before you share information that might be gossip. Will these words I speak spread encouragement? Will it bring glory to God?
Make it Real
My men’s group this week talked about the Bible study method known as SOAP. It stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer. You take some verses like today’s passage and write them down. Then you write about what the author is saying, what aspects are being taught and their significance. After some reflection, you write down how you will specifically apply this passage to your life. Finally, you write down a prayer to God concerning these verses and your life.
This is an awesome way to engage the Bible. I would encourage you to try this method on today’s verses. When you get to the application part, try a specific way to apply this. Is there a person you need to talk to about the way you spoke to them in the past? Is there a way you need to change your interaction at work or in the home? How can you specifically use your words to spread encouragement and bring glory to God?
Johnny Spence
ACF Devo Team
End in Prayer
Father, help me consider my words before I speak. Give me wisdom on the ways I can use my words to bring love and encouragement to people. Help me glorify you with the way I speak. Thank you for all you have given me, Amen.