“So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:25-32 NLT
The power of righteous behavior cannot be overstated. This is obviously true when it comes to a good word. But often times the good words are treated like magic words. In Greek, it is the idea of the word that matters more than it’s container. To understand this, it might be helpful to think of different languages. Different languages have different words for the color “blue,” but the idea of “blue,” exists acrossed every language because “blue,” part of a shared reality. The sound sand syllables of words are not the constant thing. They are the wrapper for the idea. The idea of righteousness and its outworking as spiritually nutritious fruit is more important than the wrapper it comes in. But the wrapper is still important. They should sync up and present a front that is not confusing but illuminating in darkness. Our words and behaviors, containers for mindsets and ideologies, should reflect the height, depth and breadth of God’s love in our lives. We must produce them with intent.
JOSH McGARY. COM 