May 21 Right Talk

Ephesians 4:26-29 Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, 27 and give no opportunity to the devil. 28 Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need. 29 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.
 
PAUL continues to define how we live under one Lord as we “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24)
    The first directive, “Be angry.” can confuse us. The Bible often speaks against anger and its consequences. It allows only God’s just anger over sin as proper anger. But Paul doesn’t direct us to be angry, but in “be angry” he is teaching us how to respond to this sin common for all. 
    We are to let go of it, turn it over to Jesus. If we have anger against someone, we are to consider why we feel that way. No one makes you angry. Your anger is your own response to things you don’t like. When someone acts in a way to that displeases you, go to that person and speak in love with them. Strive to be patient and kind. Pray for peace in your heart. You will find that a careful, thoughtful and humble response to all circumstances will keep your mind at peace. Remember the ways you might frustrate others. Live in grace, and strive to love all in all ways.
    Paul goes on to say that if one is a thief he should begin serving others in need. If one talks in harmful ways, he should speak to build up and strengthen. Know there is no such thing as “constructive criticism”. We have made such a term an excuse to intervene, judge and tear down. The only constructive words are words of grace, removing any hint of self while focusing on others.  Jesus taught us this kind of language will have great benefit: Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”
 
Prayer: Lord God, clothe me in Jesus’ meekness. In his name I pray, amen.