Ephesians 4:28-30

28 Thieves must give up stealing; rather let them labor and work honestly with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. 29 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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.

Questions to consider:

• Why do you think the author gives a suggestion for what thieves might do instead of stealing?
  
• What evil talk are you sometimes tempted to let come out of your mouth?
• How can you use words for the building up of others?
• What might it mean to grieve the Holy Spirit?

Possibilities for prayer:

The idea of words giving grace to those who hear them is an interesting concept. We're probably all familiar with the idea of words having power, but it seems like most often the emphasis of that power is on its ability to have a negative influence. The way that the author of Ephesians suggests that our words have the power to give grace to those who hear them is an encouraging one. Today, let's choose and use our words in all their power to give grace to the hearer, and ask God for the wisdom to do that well.