Harder than it Sounds
But doable
Eph 4: 25-30
Therefore, now that you have put away deceit, each one of you speak truth with his neighbor, because we are members belonging to one another. Be wrathful, but do not sin; do not let the sun set while you are still angry; do not give the Devil an opportunity.
Let the one who steals steal no more; rather, let him do hard work, doing good work with his hands, so that he may have something to share with someone in need.
Let a rotten word not come out of your mouth, but only what is good for building up as the need may be, to impart what is beneficial to the hearers. Also, do not be grieving God’s holy spirit, with which you have been sealed for a day of releasing by ransom.
One thought that stands out is the encouragement to “speak truth with his neighbor.” Honesty builds trust and strengthens relationships. It reminds me that because we are “members belonging to one another,” my words and actions affect those around me. I should therefore try to be truthful, sincere, and dependable rather than allowing dishonesty or selfishness to damage the unity of others.
I also appreciate the counsel about anger. The Bible does not say that we will never feel angry, but it warns us not to let anger control us. If we hold on to resentment, it can quickly create distance between us and others and give the Devil an opportunity to cause greater harm. This encourages me to deal with problems promptly, forgive when possible, and not allow anger to settle into my heart.
The counsel about our speech is especially meaningful. We are told not to let a “rotten word” come out of our mouth, but instead to say what builds others up. That makes me think about how powerful our words can be. A kind, encouraging comment can strengthen someone who is struggling, while careless or harsh words can leave a lasting wound. I want my speech to be something that benefits the people who hear me.
Finally, verse 30 reminds me that our conduct can either please or grieve God. That gives these verses a deeper meaning. I do not want to avoid wrong conduct merely because of its consequences; I want to make choices that bring joy to Jehovah and show that I value my relationship with him. Overall, these verses encourage me to put on the new personality every day. They remind me to be honest, control my anger, work hard, speak in an upbuilding way, and look for opportunities to help others. When I apply this counsel, I am not only improving my relationships with people—I am showing Jehovah that I truly appreciate his guidance.
Home | About | Full of Stars | Contact | HeartCartography
“May your seas be wide enough for wonder, your harbor always waiting, and your light never fail when another soul is searching.” – The Lantern Keeper