Let It Go

Let It Go
Ephesians 4: 29-32
By Deacon Pacia Love

Do “Words Matter?” This phrase/statement can seem cliché, however do we really think before we speak? Words are fundamental and powerful to our lives.  We use words to share, to love, to create and to define ourselves.  But because words are so powerful, they can also cause the most harm.
 
In the verses in Ephesians 4: 29-32, the Apostle Paul writes to us, the believers of Christ, to “Let it Go” - let go of our old self and transform into our new self.  It starts by how to use our words. Transformation does not happen automatically; it is a process.  Sometimes we find ourselves letting our old self creep back inside of us.  Christians should be intentionally leading the way for the world that words do matter.   We have an opportunity to change the world around us with our words.

In verse 29, Paul is talking about the purpose and effect of our words.  So often, we let our mouths speak words that are harmful, hurtful, and corrupt.  A corrupt word is a word that is bad, self-centered, and good for nothing.  When we allow these corrupt words to drop from our lips, they affect others.  For example, words that discourage people, words that deliberately tear people down, gossip and slander.  

In this text, Paul instructs the opposite of corrupting words - “building up.” We must fill up people with these words of encouragement, and life-giving words which will build people confidence. Saying “I Love You, You Can Do This, It’s Going To Be Okay” builds up people and make them feel good.

Now verse 30, this reveals the level of relationship between a believer and the Lord. We have a choice “Let Go” our old self and transform into our new self. Christians should have a desire to speak life-giving words more than life-stealing words.  Corrupt and worthless conversation grieves the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit responds to our words with distress, sadness, and unhappiness. God wants to tell us that corrupting words hurts our relationship with him and our relationships with others. Also, this verse gives another truth for us.   The spirit seals us from the day of redemption. It guarantees and secure us for a day of completion, deliverance when we realize God ‘s plans to save us from our sin. It’s comforting to know that the Holy Spirit in us is going to lead us to do what’s right.

Verses 31 and 32 informs us to be careful using these corrupt words such as bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and slander, we must put them away.  The forgiveness we receive from Christ allows us to forgive others. We can forgive because we ourselves have experienced God ‘s grace and mercy which allows us an opportunity to change the world around us with our word and give grace to others.

We must forget corrupt words that take up space in our hearts which Christ wants to fill with his presence, these words will not make it into the kingdom of heaven. So maybe we should just put them away and “Let It Go.”

Prayer: Dear gracious God please let the words from my mouth the mediation of my hearts be acceptable in thy sight. O Lord my strength and my redeemer. Amen