Do Not Let The Sun Go Down While You Are Still Angry

Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 4:25-32

Unwholesome speech was a problem, even in Paul’s day. He reminded the Christians and the Ephesians that they should put away vulgarity, lewdness, slander, and obscene talk from their lives. These were expressions of their old lives, which was now out of place with their new lives. Instead, their lives were to be characterized by wholesome speech. Their good or wholesome words would give grace to the hearers. The Holy Spirit would help guard their speech, convict of any filthy talk, and help them to use words to benefit others.

We are called to reflect God with all we are, and that includes our words.

Wholesome words flow out of a life made new.

Our Daily Bread – January 23, 2013