Ephesians 4:29-32 - 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.

In Ephesians 4:29-32, Paul instructs the Ephesian church to put away unwholesome speech, bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, slander, and malice, and instead be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving to one another. He reminds them that they have been forgiven in Christ, so they should likewise forgive others. This passage calls believers to carefully consider their speech and conduct, ensuring it aligns with the gospel they profess. Harsh, divisive words grieve the Holy Spirit, while gracious, edifying speech gives grace to those who hear. As imitators of Christ, we must make every effort to promote peace, patience, and love within the body of Christ.

Paul's exhortation to the Ephesian church is just as relevant for believers today. Our speech and conduct have incredible power to build up or tear down Christ's body. Do my words reflect the gracious forgiveness I have received in Christ? Or are they filled with bitterness and malice? When disagreements arise, is my default reaction defensiveness and anger? Or do I lead with patience, kindness, and compassion? This passage reminds me how seriously God takes our treatment of fellow believers. Unity in Christ is maintained through mutual love, not uniformity of opinion. My differences with other Christians are an opportunity to display Christlike forgiveness and grace. May the Holy Spirit produce His fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in me, for the sake of unity and growth in the church.

Gracious Father, thank You for adopting me as Your child and forgiving all my sins through the sacrifice of Your Son. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, that I may reflect Your love and forgiveness to my brothers and sisters in Christ. Guard my tongue, that my speech may build others up instead of tearing them down. Produce Your fruit in my life - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Where there is division and bitterness in the body of Christ, bring healing and restoration. Unite us in the truth of Your gospel. Help us extend grace to one another as You have extended grace to us. In Jesus' name, amen.