Morning Devotional 021724 Talk About Love

Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room

  February 17, 2024

Ephesians 4:25-32

25 Therefore, after you have gotten rid of lying, Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor because we are parts of each other in the same body. 26 Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger. 27 Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil. 28 Thieves should no longer steal. Instead, they should go to work, using their hands to do good so that they will have something to share with whoever is in need. 29 Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say. 30 Don’t make the Holy Spirit of God unhappy—you were sealed by him for the day of redemption. 31 Put aside all bitterness, losing your temper, anger, shouting, and slander, along with every other evil. 32 Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.

Good Morning! Talk about Love!

As a society, we have the ability to communicate with each other in ways that our ancestors could not have imagined. I think about when the only way to speak to someone was to go to them or write a letter that might take days, weeks, or months to arrive. I think of those letters that had to travel across the country asking for someone to come to see a family member before they died that arrived well after their passing. 

Now, we have instant communication with most of the world. We have endless opportunities to share love with one another and to share the Good News of Christ with the world. Sadly, many use these communication devices as weapons. They attack someone with unkind words and mistruths with the goal of hurting the other person. We have realized that it is easier to say mean things when you don’t actually have to see the face of the one you are belittling. 

29 Don’t let any foul words come out of your mouth. Only say what is helpful when it is needed for building up the community so that it benefits those who hear what you say.

Even our youngest children have learned how to use words as a weapon. I had a poster in my elementary classroom with the letters T-H-I-N-K: True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind. When we feel the urge to lash out at someone, take a moment and THINK.

Once the hurtful words have been unleashed, they are almost impossible to retract. Use your words to 32 Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.

Gracious God, Thank you for this beautiful gift of life. In a world full of hate, we add hurtful words without thinking. Help us share words of kindness and love so that we might help one another. We thank you! In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen

Thought for the day: With God’s help, speak words that build others up.

Talk about love! Pastor Liz