welcome and thanks for meditating with abide for more guided Christian meditations download the
abide app in the iTunes or Google Play Store have you wondered how you could communicate
more effectively to others well join us as we look at how we can use our words as a means for
healthy communication sticks and stones may break my bones but words had the potential
to scar me that would be a more fitting way for the schoolyard riddle to end probably it probably
would not take you long to recall hurtful words that someone has spoken to you in the past words
are powerful they can both tear down and build up since our words are so powerful God gives us
encouragement through scripture on how to use our words Ephesians chapter 4 verse 29 states
let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths but only such as is good for building up as fits
the occasion that it may give grace to those who hear a vital aspect of relationship is
communication if there's a breakdown and how people talk with one another chances are the
connection will unravel can you think of a friendship that was simply lost over words
spoken God understands how devastating words can be scripture leaves no room for negative speech
within relationships this command is for your protection the focus of your words should be
what is helpful to others that way when someone hears you speak they hear your voice reflecting
the difference that Jesus has made in your heart today as we reflect on the words we've
spoken think about the content of your last several conversations did they build others
up or tear them down with the power of your words have honored God well think about your words as
you reflect on Ephesians chapter 4 verse 29 but first join me in a moment of opening prayer dear
father God I thank you for entrusting me with the power of my voice thank you for giving me
a story to tell and relationships in which to share life I pray that you will help me learn
how to use my words for good and not harm help me study Jesus's example and become more like him
forgive me for the times when I had been unkind with my words and she says his name amen as you
begin this time of meditation take a moment to be still now before the Lord let your voice in
mind be silent pause and take a few deep breaths thanking him for this time that you have time to
simply be with him this moment is a gift from God how his God blessed you today through his presence
you
and looking back on our conversations of the day or the last few days how would you
describe the content of those conversations did your words uplift those who heard them
if not use this time to confess those moments to the Lord through Christ you
have been forgiven take a moment to thank God for your forgiveness that you have through Jesus
you
the Lord is faithful to provide scripture to help us grow in our walk with him he
gives us the gift of his spirit to help us understand his word as we enter this
time of reflection remember what a gift it is to hear the reading of the word of the
Lord in Ephesians chapter 4 verse 29 let no corrupting talk come out of our mouths only
such as is good for building up as fits the occasion that it may give grace to those who
hear as you listened to this passage what words of instruction did God give you in
his word was there a phrase that stood out in your mind reflect now on that word or phrase
you
listen to this passage again let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths
but only such as is good for building up as fits the occasion that it may give grace to
those who hear what action do you feel like you need to take to be obedient to
this passage of Scripture today Thomas a Kempis once said instant obedience is
the only kind of obedience there is delayed obedience is disobedience so
take a moment to think about how you can obey the subversive scripture in your life today
you
listen again as I read from the New Living Translation from Ephesians chapter 4 verse
29 don't use foul or abusive language let everything you say be good and helpful so
that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them how would you describe
foul or abusive language when are you most tempted to use this kind of talk even though
it might be tempting to say inappropriate things sometimes your words are to be an encouragement to
others so take a moment to think about how you can make your daily language more encouraging
you
who is someone you know who might need a good and helpful word from you today how
can you use this scripture to be an encouragement to another person well
take a moment to think of someone who God might be placing on your heart right now
you
since you are to use scripture to grow closer to God how can you use this passage as an
encouragement to your faith take a moment to rejoice in hope in the promises of this passage
you
as you become more familiar with this verse ask God to expand your understanding of the
passage and listen to it again as I read from Ephesians chapter 4 verse 29 don't use foul or
abusive language that everything you say be good and helpful so that your words will be
an encouragement to those who hear them if you could know for sure that your words could make
a difference in one person's life who would you choose to talk to and what would you say to them
you
you can make a difference in the lives of everyone that you encounter today so take
a moment to think about some of the people that you see daily what are
some words of encouragement you can say to them that would be good and helpful
you
how has this verse challenged you today well pause
right now to be encouraged that your faith in Christ is growing
you
a goal of Scripture prayer and reflection is to become more like Christ so what step do you feel
you need to take today to become more like Jesus take a moment and ask God to search your heart
you
join me here for a moment of closing prayer dear lord thank you for searching my heart
and help me to grow from my time with you change me from the inside out and may the
words I speak be a reflection of the difference Christ has made in my life in Jesus name Amen
as you closed this time of reflection linger in the knowledge that God has entrusted you
to be his bearer of good news to the world this hurting world needs your life-giving
words of the love of Jesus I hope that as you go throughout your day God will fill
you with words of wisdom hope and inspiration to share we hope this meditation brought you peace
for more christian meditations download the abide out in itunes or the google play store