 Ephesians 4:29 says, 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. This verse hardly needs explaining, but I feel like the world needs to hear it right now.
I have to be completely honest and confess that I struggle with this. I have been known to make cutting remarks behind someone's back, to use the occasional mild swear word, to say things that don't build people up and make them feel better. I'm not proud of it. I have asked God to help me with it and he has. Our words are so important. Here are some other Bible verses about them: Matthew 12:36 People will have to explain about every careless thing they have said. Matthew 12:37 Your words will be used to judge you—to declare you either innocent or guilty. Proverbs 21:23 People who are careful about what they say will save themselves from trouble. We should use words that are loving to God and loving to others because that is our purpose in the Christian life. This doesn't just refer to the words we say, it also refers to the things we write. I don't read the comments on social media posts because people are so mean. Then someone says something mean to the person who said the mean thing, then someone else says something mean to them and it just goes on and on. This week pay attention to your words and judge whether your words are good, helpful and encouraging.  Ephesians 4:28 says, 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. Most people don't think that they are guilty of stealing. Have you ever stolen a chocolate bar from the supermarket? Have you ever taken a handful of sugar sachets from a fast food chain with no intention of using them all? Have you ever taken stationery from work or school? Have you ever slacked off at your part-time job when you should have been working? These are all examples of stealing.
Paul said that we should work hard so that we will be able to share with those in need. Stealing is selfish, but working hard to help others is selfless. Which end of the scale are you? Do you steal (even if it's just small things)? Or, do you work hard and share with others?  Check out the YouTube tutorial that inspired these bracelets below. I used cotton embroidery thread and beads purchased online and at Spotlight. You also need a beading needle. They are super easy. I made mine based on Chapter 24 on Identity in my book, Thirsty Deer, which looks at our identity on Christ. You can purchase a physical or digital or physical copy of Thirsty Deer from our SHOP page. |
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