A Daily Devotion for Wednesday, April 15
- ontrakk
- 9 hours ago
- 2 min read
Ephesians 4:22-29
You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do 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.
I think that words spoken can also be used as a way to try to control people and thus control outcomes. Do we ever speak half truths? How close is that to actually lying? There are many times when I would be better off just keeping quiet. If I find myself second guessing how my words have fallen on someone else’s ears, maybe I am simply talking too much or trying to control an outcome. The woman at the cosmetic counter was trying to intimidate (control) the young woman. Those words were used as a weapon. It is almost scary to think of how much power mere words can carry.
Holy Lord, help me to mind my words, and use them only to support and heal, never to tear down or intimidate. You alone are in control. My words should never be used to try to control others. Help me to stay on your path. Amen
Becky, transforming
Ephesians 4:22-29. Words Linger
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can also hurt me. Stones and sticks break only skin, while words are ghosts that haunt me..." How this quote got changed to "...but names will never hurt me" is difficult to understand. I'm sure being called a derogatory name lives with you forever. We are living today with too many people in seats of power who do much name calling of anyone they do not like. It sets a tone that seems to give others license to do the same. We must be the ones to counteract these actions.
Prayer: Gracious God, May I always use my words to build up not tear town. AMEN
Daily devotions ( upper room)
Wednesday, April 15th, 2026
WORDS LINGER
( Focus someone whose words have deeply affected me.
Today’s Reading Ephesians 4:22-29
Ephesians 4:29
Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.
Our words have incredible power. We can use them to bring blessings or to provoke curses and death. The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me,” could not be further from the truth. Often, the wounds inflicted by words go much deeper and last much longer than a physical wound ever could. Words are powerful…and…
Ephesians 4:22-29
The focus verse from today’s passage reminds me of something Bev taught us and I hope I’m not stepping on her post in using it. When considering the words we will use in our interactions with others, Bev recommends the acronym. THINK
T - Is it True? (Avoids gossip, hearsay, or false information)
H - Is it Helpful?
(Considers if the message aids the situation or person)
I - Is it Inspiring? (Determines if the message builds up rather than tears down)
N - Is it Necessary? (Evaluates if the comment adds value or is essential)
K - Is it Kind? (Ensures the message is not harmful or hurtful)
This is a great tool to guide our words.…