CAPA Corner: Graceful Words

    I have to admit, the other day I was at an event, it was hot and I was whining! Suddenly, from behind me I heard someone say, “Oh Ron, stop your complaining!”  I was caught!  My mom would always say to me, “If you don’t have anything good to say, don’t say anything at all.”  I am on a quest to work on this philosophy but have yet to become the “Master Yoda” in this area of my life!  
    Face it, it is so easy to find something to complain about.  We are quick to complain about the weather, traffic, situations etc. However, it really becomes even more of an issue when we complain to or about people.  It so easy to play the role of a “Monday Morning Quarterback” in so many areas of life, beside football!  To sit in the stands of life and formulate opinions of criticism is very easy to do when we have not had to walk in the shoes of those we so easily scrutinize.   A couple of years ago I came across a verse that I had read several times but it caught my attention like never before.  It has helped me in my quest.
    Ephesians 4:29-32  “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.  Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
    We all can agree that there are times that we must speak forcefully about a situation or speak the truth about a circumstance.  We speak these truths knowing that they might not be received as favorably.  However, many times what we feel is speaking the truth is simply trying to reinforce our strongly held opinions on an issue.  Truth or strongly held opinions can be spoken in such way that they can be void of bitterness, wrath, anger, evil speech and malice.  Truth can be spoken in such a way that it can impart grace to those who hear it.  People may choose to disagree with your statement but they will not be able to question your method of delivery.   
    A conscious effort is needed if the words that we speak are going to be able to impart grace to the hearer.  We should consider if the words that I am speaking are coming across in a graceful manner and if they are imparting grace. All of us appreciate when words are spoken to us that encourage, edify and exhort even if they correct us in some way.  I would like to say I have completely mastered Eph. 4:29-32 but that wouldn’t be truthful.  However, I have begun a journey to implement this passage into my life and I would like to invite you to join me on my quest.  Together we can make our personal world around us more enjoyable for us and to those that hear our words! 
Ron Erickson
Future Hope Ministries