Ephesians 4:29-5:2 - Grace Words

We speak an average of 16,000 words a day. What would a report on your speech look like — who you talked to, what you said, how much of it built people up versus tore them down? In this message from Ephesians 4:29–32, we look at what Paul means by "unwholesome talk" — words that are rotten, spoiled, harmful — and why he ties it directly to the heart: bitterness, rage, anger, slander, and malice. These aren't just personal failings; Paul says they grieve the Holy Spirit, whose work is to unite what our words so easily divide. But this isn't a call to clean up your speech in order to earn something. You have already been sealed for redemption. Jesus took the wrath our words deserved and gave Himself up so we could receive forgiveness. Out of that identity — as people who have received grace — we're freed to give grace: to forgive, to build up, and to let our words be, as Paul puts it, a means of grace to those who hear them. 📖 Scripture: Ephesians 4:29–32 (with reference to Ephesians 2:19–22) If this message encouraged you, consider subscribing and sharing it with someone who needs to hear it today.