We’re working through some of the desired characteristics of believers in Ephesians 4, especially those involving putting off and putting on:

• Don’t lie – speak truth (verse 25)
• Don’t steal – give (verse 28)
• Don’t be hurtful – encourage (verse 29)
• Don’t be bitter – be kind (verses 31, 32)

Today, let’s think about verse 29:

And never let ugly or hateful words come from your mouth, but instead let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them. (Ephesians 4.29, TPT)

As I’ve written before (and often!), this trait is sadly lacking in our current culture where outrage has become “America’s most popular indoor sport.” Believers should be setting the pace in encouraging communication both in-person and online.

Do everything readily and cheerfully—no bickering, no second-guessing allowed! Go out into the world uncorrupted, a breath of fresh air in this squalid and polluted society. Provide people with a glimpse of good living and of the living God. Carry the light-giving Message into the night… (Philippians 2.14, 15, MSG)

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”),… (Acts 4.36, NIV. There’s power in encouragement. Barnabas parted ways with Paul in order to encourage his nephew, John Mark, to get back into the game (see Acts 15.36 – 41). Later, Mark was useful to Paul as well (see 2 Timothy 4.11) and left us one of the four gospels.)