Be Gracious in Our Words and Actions
ICS Daily Devotions
Ephesians 4:29-32 (NKJV) Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamour, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another just as God in Christ forgave you.
Do you know how we grieve the Holy Spirit? We grieve the Holy Spirit when we are harsh, ruthless, full of malice, anger, and bitter towards people instead of being gracious and loving with our words. When we are the creator of a toxic environment, we are engaging in a work of darkness because a toxic relationship and environment give people no hope. We will hurt and destroy others emotionally when we lash out at them in words. Legalistic people tend to be judgmental and critical of others. Full of self-righteousness like the Pharisees in the Bible, they think they have the right to talk down on others, but how they grieve the Holy Spirit as they speak! When they don’t even feel anything wrong about speaking toxically, it means they have lost the sensitivity towards the voice of the Holy Spirit.
If we have truly understood how God has forgiven us unconditionally, we will be gracious in our words and actions, and be sensitive towards what the Holy Spirit’s opinion is before we charge into a meeting to confront or clarify something with others in our flesh. We will minister to people out of unconditional love, and our words will be gracious to the hearer and seasoned with salt, making them feel uplifted, encouraged, and motivated to move on.
Philemon 1:7 (NKJV) For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed by you, brother.
People should walk away feeling refreshed, encouraged, and lifted emotionally after our conversations with them, knowing that we genuinely love them. There is no greater joy than knowing that we are loved and cared for by good and faithful friends when we feel down and depressed. Everyone can tell when genuine love is being shown. That’s why Jesus said they will know we are His disciples when we love one another. It means showing love through our words and actions.
John 13:35 (NJKV) “by this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another”
Sermon Series: Up! Cell Group Campaign
