This week I have been reflecting a lot on Ephesians 4:29 – 32. This passage in chapter 4 of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians contains some of my favorite memory verses in the whole Bible. I especially love verses 29 and 32. I love the way Paul wraps up this chapter to the church which began with a call to live in a manner that glorifies Christ. Paul writes:
Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. 30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
For Christians posting on social media or sharing memes or videos, it would be a good idea to see if what we are sharing lines up with the precepts given in this passage. Do our words have the effect of building up those who see them and hear them? Does our message seek to inform, instruct and inspire others in a way that is full of God’s grace, God’s truth and God’s love? Do our words carry the weight of our own personal anger, slander and wrath? Or do our words demonstrate and offer the same kindness, compassion, forgiveness and grace that the Lord has extended to us? Those are some good questions to consider. And this is a great passage to reflect on each day so that we can do a better job of glorifying the Lord.