The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Ephesians 4:29-32, “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth,

but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the

moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.

30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for

the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor

and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

32 And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as

God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

My maternal grandmother had some biblical sayings that she often

repeated. One was “You’ll give an account for every idle word” (Mat. 12:36).

Despite the Apostle Paul’s spiritual depth of understanding Scripture,

he is exceedingly practical and organized. First, we are instructed to

never speak an “unwholesome” (rotten, worthless) word.” We are to

reserve our comments for “edification” (that which builds up) and only

then for the need of the moment, that we may “give grace” (kindness,

blessing, gratitude) to those who hear.

Admittedly, Paul’s instruction is sometimes tough to do. But to speak

contrary to biblical instruction, is to “grieve” (distress, hurt) the Holy Spirit

of God. Have you not had someone you greatly admired say, “I’m very

disappointed in you.” Simple, clean words like that stab us in the heart!

And that’s what the Spirit feels and says when we ignore Him and use

filthy, hurtful words that destroy instead of building up. Words that

please the Holy Spirit also help people who hear them. After all, the

Holy Spirit is the Father’s “seal” (spiritual mark) that shows we are His!

Fleshly words and actions hurt Him deeply. Why would we do that?

In verse 31, Paul lists things in which we should not engage –bitterness

(a hostile attitude); wrath (rage, intense anger); anger (offensive behavior);

clamor (shouting); and slander (abusive speech, blasphemy) – all be

put away from you, along with all malice (moral offensiveness).

Rather, be helpful, tenderhearted, compassionate, forgiving, just as

Christ Jesus has been toward you. WOW! Tough order, huh? My paternal

grandfather was a blacksmith; and when I left home my Dad said to me,

“Son, remember that a man’s like steel. He’s got to have temper to be

any good, but he never any good when he loses it.” What a challenge!

Love and prayers for you all,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”