"Let no unwholesome word proceed
from your mouth, but only such a word as
is good for edification according
to the need of the moment, that it
may give grace to those who
hear." Ephesians 4:29
The apostle Paul exhorts us to no longer be like the Gentiles
(for us, the world around us) this includes what proceeds from our mouth.
When we speak we are not to belittle (tease) as the world does, rather we are to
speak that which is good for edifying the person(s) at the moment, that it may
give grace to those who hear. I have heard my brothers and sisters in
Christ, speak and "tease" each other just like the "teasing" one
finds on the TV sitcoms. It grieves Jesus deeply that we've allowed
ourselves to sound just like the world around us. In verse 17,
of Ephesians 4, Paul exhorts us to "no longer walk just as the Gentiles also
walk, in the futility of their mind".
It isn't edifying at all to be told it takes two of you to
accomplish the work of one because they're so good or sarcastic digs about
your work or to have someone make an unkind comment and then say, "I was
only kidding, lighten up!" No where in the new testament can I find this
type of behavior between Jesus and His disciples. While growing up my mom
used to tell us, "If you don't have nothing nice to say, don't say anything at
all." I imagine there were alot of quiet moments around our
house in those days. It's an old fashion saying but, as my Pastor says,
"God's a pretty old God and doesn't change" Hebrews 13:8 backs that up,
"Jesus is the same yesterday, today and
forever." I believe He still would say, "Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as
is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give
grace to those who hear."
Beloved, we must choose to stand firm for the life we've chose
to live in Jesus. Let us no longer just profess to be Christians let us
start living out our faith in our daily lives, letting the world see the Light
shinning from within us. Let us be a light that people are drawn to
because they see that we are not like the world; Jesus offers love,
joy, peace and hope, while the world offers hatred,
sadness, anxiousness and hopelessness.
Jesus said, "Enter by the narrow
gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and
many are those who enter by it. For the gate is small, and the way is
narrow that leads to life and few are those who find it." Matt. 7:
13,14
Beloved, which gate are you entering by?
This exhortation isn't an easy one, but being obedient to Jesus
is what it's all about.
Have a wonderful day in the Lord!
April
NOTICE: There will be no
encouragement's sent out for the month of July as we will be updating the
Encouragement mailing list and Website. Please, if you desire to be
removed from the mailing list - now is a good time to let us know. It
is important to us that people who want to receive this devotion of
exhortation are receiving it (this way you won't have to delete it every
time you see our name); if a friend signed you up and you want to be removed
please don't be afraid to do so. The Lord has laid on my heart to
exhort His people to a life that is sanctified from the rest of the world and to
encourage them along the narrow way. This is not an easy calling but
obedience to Jesus is more important than popularity. We will be up
an encouraging you in your walk first part of August, Lord
willing.
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