Grieving God with our words

Ephesians 4:25-5:2

²⁵ So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. ²⁶ And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, ²⁷ for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

²⁸ If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. ²⁹ 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.

³⁰ And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. ³² Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

^5:1 Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. ² Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

This has got to be one of the most challenging verses in the Bible: “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.” I think this is something that God will need to be helping me with for the rest of my days!

The next verse to follow is also very challenging to consider: “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God…” To think that some things that I say or do may grieve the Holy Spirit is really quite sobering.

Consider for a moment how you would feel if you heard someone speak in an unkind or gossiping way about someone who is very dear to you? I know that I would feel very grieved to hear that kind of talk said about someone that I love.  Imagine now how grieved our infinitely loving God must feel when He hears me speak in this way about any of His beloved children.

I think there are a couple of things that can help me when I am tempted to speak in an ungodly way about people.

Firstly, I need to continually remind myself that, apart from the grace of God, I am capable of any manner of selfish behaviour. It’s a very human response to want to speak ill of others when we look down on them for something that they have done or said.  I need to be reminded that I am no better than those that I am tempted to slander or gossip about.

Secondly, when I remember the incredible love of God for every person, I am less tempted to grieve God’s heart by speaking slanderously about His beloved children, regardless of their behaviour.

Thank You, God for Your incredible grace and love for me even when I grieve You with my speech.  Help me to stay humble and to remember Your great love for those that I am tempted to speak against.

Written by Shelley Witt