Let no evil talk come out of your mouths, but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.
– Ephesians 4:29
Words matter, and, as the writer to the #Ephesians reminds, words have consequences. “Let no evil talk come out of your mouths,” he wrote, ”but only what is useful for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear.” Many preachers open each sermon saying these words from Psalm 19: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer.” The letter to the Ephesians is instructing all who would be disciples of Christ Jesus to be wordsmiths of our words, to examine how we talk with and to and about one another, that the words of our mouths and the meditations of our hearts might be acceptable in the sight of God. It says: “let us speak the truth to our neighbors, for we are members one of another.” As our sermon series based on The Letter to the Ephesians, Bind Our Hearts in Love, continues, we pray for our nation and the people of Charlottesville. We pray, as well, that the Holy Spirit will work in our hearts, to guide our every word and action.
See you in worship. And I hope you'll plan to join me for the 90th Anniversary Celebration of the #WesleyFoundation Serving #UCLA!
#RevPatriciaFarris
#santamonicaumc #firstumcsmsanctuary #wfsucla
