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. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.—Ephesians 4:29-32(NLT)
Have you ever had to call a friend, to apologize for hurting their feelings for some things you had written in an email? Perhaps like me, you’ve also found that it is very easy to write what you would not have the nerve to say if you were looking your friend right in the eye. I call these off the wall comments that hurt others “email rockets."
In today’s culture of email, texting and instant messaging, here’s a reminder: These electronic forms of communication do not take the place of a living, breathing face-to-face relationships. Relationships are most meaningful as they are lived out face-to-face and heart-to-heart. When misunderstandings arise, it takes fortitude and love (agape) to face a person and pour out your heart. Yet, that’s what is necessary for relationships to be all that God designed.
The above passage to the Ephesians is filled with practical insights on how relationships thrive in the Kingdom of God. Relationships do best when they are lived in the spirit of Jesus’ love and with a dedication to honest, forthright and transparent communication. Imagine if all our relationships could be lived out as a carbon copy of the relationship that Jesus has with each of us. Imagine what would happen if we stretched ourselves to give grace and mercy to each of those who live in our sphere of relationships.
Today, let's strive to live out our relationships as God designed them to be lived.
ANSWER THIS:
1. Think through your communication and relationship habits with your friends. How are you relating to them in a God-honoring manner? What could you do to make those relationships thrive as God has designed?
2. Look carefully at the list of relationship and communication qualities listed above in Ephesians 4:25-32. Ask God for help in those areas of communication in which you need to grow.
READ THIS:
Luke 15:11-32; Colossians 3:12-15; Ephesians 1:15-23
An ounce of determination is worth a ton of procrastination.
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