Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Ephesians 4:29-30
Glorious Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit, how I praise you for the incalculable riches of redemption you have so freely and fully given me, and all my brothers and sisters in Christ. Father, for planning such a stunning salvation; Jesus, for accomplishing all things necessary for my complete salvation; Holy Spirit for faithfully applying the work of Jesus to my whole being… I wish I had adequate words to express my gratitude, but my words fail me.
That being said, I don’t want my words to fail you, gracious God. You spoke the Word which gave life to my dead spirit—giving me both the will and wherewithal to believe the gospel. Forgive me when I speak words, or even think words, which have the opposite effect on others—bringing discouragement, decay, even death.
Holy Spirit, you faithfully preach the gospel to my heart—incessantly telling me that I’m a beloved child of God. Continue to so fill my heart with the beauty of Jesus that, like Balaam’s ass, I cannot help but offer blessings to others. Train my heart and tongue in gospel-speak. Make me fluent in the vocabulary of heaven. Convict me quickly when my words are poorly chosen… intentionally hurtful… or there’s simply too many of them.
You’ve sealed me for the Day of redemption. I don’t want to sadden you with words of deconstruction. I’m called to build up, not tear down. You study my needs and only speak helpful words to my heart. Educate me in the needs of my family and friends that I might, likewise, only speak words of encouragement and hope—even when that requires saying the hard things.
Lord Jesus, we praise you for taking the Father’s word of final judgment on the cross, that we might hear him speak the words of complete welcome and acceptance in our hearts. So very Amen, I pray, in your holy and loving name.