Ephesians 4:17-5:7

Ephesians 4: 4:17-5:7 (NLT)
17 With the Lord’s authority let me say this: Live no longer as the ungodly do, for they are hopelessly confused. 18 Their closed minds are full of darkness; they are far away from the life of God because they have shut their minds and hardened their hearts against him. 19 They don’t care anymore about right and wrong, and they have given themselves over to immoral ways. Their lives are filled with all kinds of impurity and greed.
20 But that isn’t what you were taught when you learned about Christ. 21 Since you have heard all about him and have learned the truth that is in Jesus, 22 throw off your old evil nature and your former way of life, which is rotten through and through, full of lust and deception. 23 Instead, there must be a spiritual renewal of your thoughts and attitudes. 24 You must display a new nature because you are a new person, created in God’s likeness—righteous, holy, and true. 25 So put away all falsehood and “tell your neighbor the truth” because we belong to each other. 26 And “don’t sin by letting anger gain control over you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a mighty foothold to the Devil. 28 If you are a thief, stop stealing. Begin using your hands for honest 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 is the one who 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 malicious behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Chapter 5
1 Follow God’s example in everything you do, because you are his dear children. 2 Live a life filled with love for others, following the example of Christ, who loved you and gave himself as a sacrifice to take away your sins. And God was pleased, because that sacrifice was like sweet perfume to him.
3 Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed among you. Such sins have no place among God’s people. 4 Obscene stories, foolish talk, and coarse jokes—these are not for you. Instead, let there be thankfulness to God. 5 You can be sure that no immoral, impure, or greedy person will inherit the Kingdom of Christ and of God. For a greedy person is really an idolater who worships the things of this world. 6 Don’t be fooled by those who try to excuse these sins, for the terrible anger of God comes upon all those who disobey him. 7 Don’t participate in the things these people do
DEVOTION (Chris Bunch) “WORDS COUNT”
“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This is one of the dumbest statements I have ever heard in my life. Words do hurt and words do count. Verse 29 says this: 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.
The words we say to one another can be a powerful force for good, for building up. On the other hand, they can be just as powerfully destructive, tearing us down. Think back to when you were young: What kinds of words do you remember the most? Were they positive, encouraging words that built you up and made you feel valuable and worthwhile? Or did you hear more terms like “loser,” “worthless,” “stupid”? Words that were told to you by parents or other adults either brought smiles or pain.
Your words have the same effect on those around you, especially those closest to you. Your spouse, your children, your parents, your family and friends. Today, each time you are tempted to complain or tear down———-STOP!!!!! Then, ask for God’s help to say a kind word that encourages and builds up the person you are talking to.
As we approach the joy of Easter——-commit to having joy flow from your mouth all week. Also, take the time to use your mouth to invite someone to join you at The Jar this Sunday for our Easter Celebration.

PRAYER:
God, thank you that you never put me down or tell me how bad I am, but you are always telling me how proud you are of me and calling me your precious child. Help me today to use my words to build up and not tear down. And, when I am tempted to use my words to hurt———remind me and help me change them. In Jesus name. Amen