June 15, 2015
Scripture: Ephesians 4:25-32
25Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. 26“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27and do not give the devil a foothold. 28Anyone 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.
29Do 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. 30And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Questions for Reflection:
This week we are going to look at how we talk and what the Bible has to say around that subject matter. The end of Ephesians 4 gives some strong commands on the issue. Read through the passage again and make note of commands that Paul gives with regards to how we talk to others. Which of those commands is the toughest for you to observe? Why or why not?
Yesterday we showed Joseph Grenny’s talk, “Crucial Conversations.” He showed a clip from one of his son’s social experiments. (You can watch the video here.) The kids in the video had trouble telling the truth. Why? Why do you struggle to tell the truth if you think it might hurt someone? How can we get better at speaking the truth in love? Pray and ask for God to increase your ability to speak the truth in love with those you are in relationship with.