Paul continues to tell the people about the kinds of behavior they need to rid themselves of and closes off the passage with ways they should behave instead.
Ephesians 4:28-32
28 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.
29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
As Paul closes out this fourth chapter of Ephesians, he is very clear about the type of activities and attitudes we need to rid ourselves of. Paul not only talks about what we need to get rid of but what we need to replace them with. In verse 28 Paul reminds us that we are not to steal. He then follows it with specific instructions of what to do instead of stealing – to work, not just to provide for ourselves, but in order to have surplus to share with those in need. How well do you share your abundance with those in need? We work hard to provide for our families and to have the things we want, but do we have too much? Do we share with those in need?
Paul again addresses our speech. He not only tells us to not let unwholesome talk come from us but adds that our words should build others up. What was your speech like this past week? Did your words tear people down or build people up? When we continue to live our old lives and old ways of satisfying ourselves versus living our lives for Christ, we grieve the Holy Spirit.
Verse 31 gives a laundry list of attitudes we should be rid of if we are living into our new creations in Christ. Paul doesn’t just admonish us in this passage, he builds us up by encouraging us in verse 32 to live lives that are pleasing to the Lord. He tells us to be kind and compassionate. Who in your life needs to experience your kindness and compassion today? Who in your life needs to experience your forgiveness? Walk out your faith today by showing kindness and compassion, using your words to build up another and by forgiving others the way Christ forgives you.
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Deeply Rooted in Him 
Seriously, I read this BEFORE I go shopping at Walmart; the one place that brings out the warm fuzzies in me? This means I HAVE to behave. How do you ‘be’ a ‘have’? Could this give me a ‘Get out of Jail’ card? Probably not. Thanks. This is most likely because I just finished my Bible study homework and God is having some fun. Haha. Just saying.
Wilma, I love it when God speaks to me before I do something I am not supposed to do. I love shopping but there are definitely times God reminds me I have enough. Hope you have a great day my friend!
Shelly, a very timely post. For weeks,
God has been dealing with me about one specific person with whom I need to use my words to build up instead of tearing down, irregardless of how I am being treated. I have struggled in this area with this person for way too long. It has been amazing to see how yhe person has responded to this change in approach and hiw it has brought healing where there seemed to be no way. God is good! Thanks
Sue, what a blessing you are seeing a change in your relationship! It is especially difficult for us to use our words to build up those who are difficult to deal with and don’t treat us well. It is certainly something I have struggled with as well. I have seen a slight softening of the person’s heart and give God all the glory for it. Have a wonderful day!
Dear sis, Shelly
few days ago I wrote a post about forgiveness. But this evening I got another point of view about forgiveness from your post. I have learned another things about forgiveness. Thank you so much for this lovely writing. Blessing to you.
Karina, so blessed to help you get another perspective on forgiveness. It is easy for us to seek forgiveness from the Lord and so much more challenging for us to forgive those the way He forgives us. Blessings sister in Christ!
One of the greatest needs for Christians today is the need to forgive others as Christ as forgiven us. What a wonderful testimony it leaves in the lives of those around us! Lord bless.
Rob, you are absolutely right. Forgiveness is at the heart of our Christian walk. When we forgive, it is a beautiful and powerful testimony to others of the forgiveness we have received from Christ. Be blessed!
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Well said.
Nolongerwounded, thanks! It is always easier to talk about our faith than to walk it out. However, Christ doesn’t call us to be “talkers or hearers” of His Word, but doers. Be blessed today!
The Bible addresses our speech in many places. I think we need these constant reminders. Thank you for a great post.
Julie, our speech is truly something we all struggle with at times. James addresses is so many times and even suggests that if we could control our speech we could control our entire bodies. I don’t think we can be reminded of how we choose to speak too often. Be blessed!