Devotional - July 15, 2026
Scripture: Ephesians 4: 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.
I saw a t-shirt the other day that said, if Paul were here we'd be getting a letter. The problem is, Paul has already sent letters and folks have ignored them. What makes them think another would help, but we need one. The way people talk to, or about, others today is beyond belief. It's downright terrible at times. How did we go from being a generation where people, watched their mouths, to pathetic, even from those who are from that generation; even in the church from churchgoers. And what does it teach those who are listening? I am getting worried about our efforts to cultivate good wholesome people in the future, whether they are Christian or not. Self-restraint, especially with our mouth, is difficult, but needed (Proverbs 13:3 and 21:23). The biggest reason being our message. I don't think people are concerned anymore about being correct, as much as they want to be heard. Everyone wants to be a big-shot so they disparage others. The effects are devastating on relationships (Proverbs 16:28) and society as a whole (James 3: 5-6). Paul addresses this in the church. Unfortunately, many have run afoul with their words toward others. Paul goes as far as to say, don't let any unwholesome talk come from your mouth. My biggest reason for supporting his statement comes from the needs of those who come to church. One, they are trying to get away from that kind of behavior in society. Two, a church community is built on Christ and on one's ability to trust others. And three, people come to church bearing heavy loads, whether we know about it or not. They don't need to be bothered by disparaging talk or gossip. The church of Ephesus was dealing with difficult circumstances both within and outside. They needed to be a team that worked well together, which means they needed to communicate well with each other. Our words well-up from our souls (Matthew 15:28). I am not saying you have to check everyone who speaks inappropriately. From time to time it may be good, but not always (Proverbs 26:4). But, you can discern where a person is coming from by listening to them and acting accordingly. Your response can be in accord with what you hear and can be in line with Paul's advice to the church. You can build them up. Believe it or not, in doing so, they may take back a lot of what they said. They may cite their emotional state as being the reason for saying what they did. Sometimes people just need to vent and be heard because they are hurting. It's okay to let them without affirming what they say. But, when unwholesome behavior takes root in a church, in any way, beware. As far as that goes, when it takes root anywhere, the results are not good. And in a church, they can ruin a very good thing. There are some who will refute what I am saying. They will say, what's the big deal? Sadly, they have never learned the significance of a church or God. When a church runs on integrity, love, and encouragement, to the glory of God, amazing things can happen.
Pray with me ..., Holy God help us to keep You and Your church sanctified in our hearts. Help us to keep our places of worship, places where Your Spirits reins supreme. Places, You can bless. Hear us, as we pray for our loved ones, asking Your blessing upon them. And Lord, we ask Your blessing on our church, so we can be a blessing to others, in Jesus' name we pray, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
