In this daily Bible reading Paul tells the members of the Ephesian Church to be kind to one another and forgive one another just as Jesus Christ has forgiven them. He also tells them to choose their words carefully when speaking to one another and only speak those words which will be helpful and edify the person listening.
Words are very powerful. They can heal, and they can also destroy. Earlier in my life, I was not very thoughtful in my speaking. I was hasty to reply and not really aware of the effect my words were having on others. I later found out that many of my thoughtless words had done much damage to others. I am ashamed today, but I cannot take those words back.
The Bible says that we should be slow to speak but quick to listen. Listening is good and causes no damage to another, but what we speak can do much damage. We should listen carefully to others and seek opportunities to speak words that will help and encourage; words that will lift another person’s spirits. Timing is important for the words we speak. Opportunities to speak will present themselves. We should seize those opportunities and speak our edifying words gently. The Bible says, “A gentle word turns away wrath.” We don’t need to be loud or intense to be effective. A word spoken gently will be just fine and have a lasting impact for good.
