The Power of Our Words

Nick Klempp – Administration Pastor

Read: Ephesians 4:29-32

The Children’s rhyme “Sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me” never sat well with me, even as a child.  I was told lots of words as a kid that I felt really hurt, worse than anything physical, and I was told just forget them or don’t be a baby. To me the physical hurt healed pretty quick and you forgot it but man some of those words still echo in my head today and cause me to pause.

Then we look at Ephesians 4:29-32 and see Paul begins with something incredibly practical: our speech and the damage or help it can lead to!

“Let no unwholesome or corrupting talk come out of your mouths…”That word means rotten—like spoiled fruit. Words can decay relationships. This is really centered around empty or worthless speech. Speech that just doesn’t do any good to someone- Paul says we are to bring life by speaking what builds up!

Every conversation is an opportunity to either tear someone down or build someone up- we are to be builders!

Then in verse 31 Paul lists HOW we use our words and what we must get rid of:

• Bitterness (holding onto hurt)

• Wrath and anger (explosive anger)

• Brawling (loud arguing)

• Slander (tearing others down publicly)

• Malice (intent to harm)

These are relational toxins. When we act and react in these ways towards others it leaves marks that can last a lifetime and they don’t just affect others—they slowly harden our own heart- it is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to suffer.  These characteristics shape us and mold us into people that we wouldn’t even recognize.

Instead, Paul says we are called to

Be kind and compassionate to one another and to forgiving each other- this not only helps to build others up it also allows us to move forward in our growing closer to Jesus.

And the reason behind it all is a powerful one found in verse 32: because“Christ God forgave you”.

We should reflect what we’ve received and:

• God showed us kindness

• God forgave us fully

Your words are like seeds:

• Encouragement grows life- brings people closer together and closer to God

• Negativity grows weeds- it strangles the life out of us and others and our relationship to God

Challenge

1. Think about your past week—what kind of “fruit” did your words produce?

2. Who in your life consistently speaks words that build others up? What stands out about them? What can you do to model that? 

3. How does remembering God’s forgiveness toward you change your ability to be kind and forgive others?

4. One person I will intentionally encourage this week is: ______

5. One area God is prompting me to change is: ______

Dear Heavenly Father help us to reflect Christ more clearly in our lives so that we can be builders of the people in our life and not tear them down. Help us to reflect the love of Christ so that those around us will want to come to know you.