Give grace to those who hear you
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. Ephesians 4:29
What is a corrupt word? The word corrupt is used mostly in referring to someone who is dishonest, dishonorable and unscrupulous in their ways, but it can also mean manipulating. In the case of computer files, if they become corrupt, they are inoperable or unusable. So corrupt words can be defined as dishonest, dishonorable, unscrupulous, manipulating and useless talking. I don’t know about you, but if I eliminate those from my conversations, I will be speaking a lot less. That may not be such a bad idea for some of us. If you find yourself continuously speaking words that dishonor others or not producing anything of value, this is a good filter to put over your mouth.
The second part of the verse says to speak what is good for edification which means teaching and building others up. If you have become a person that feels that the only way to make yourself feel and look better is to point out the flaws of other, it’s time to make a change. Instead, look for what is good in those around you and help them to be successful in their life walk. Anyone can find the faults, the true test of your character is if you can see the good in the people around you and draw more of that out of them.
Lastly, the scripture says that this gives grace to those who hear. When you speak uplifting, honest, honorable and encouraging words to others, you are giving grace to them. Grace is actually on the inside of you in your words. As you choose grace words, you are sharing the grace of God with others as you speak them into their lives.
Today I want to encourage you to put away corrupt words from your speech. Every useless, dishonoring and manipulating words, put it far from you. Speak words that build up and encourage others. By doing this you are giving the gift of grace to everyone you speak to.
Today’s scripture reading: Ephesians 4:25-32
The Daily Dose 