Ministering Grace
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers" (Ephesians 4:29).
This is a day of instant and inexpensive communication. A message can be sent out to any number of people in an instant’s time depending on the size of one's mailing list. In a day’s time, I receive a large number of messages from many different sources, most of which merits only the "delete button."
I never arbitrarily delete anything if it is from someone I know or who is on my mailing list. Respect for them requires me to at least see what they have to say. Of the mail that I get, that which is normally of the least benefit is that which has been forwarded to me. Although occasionally I will receive a message that is encouraging, instructional or otherwise edifying, usually those things that are forwarded to me are unsubstantiated 'hysteria' type mail or some type of frivolity. Those who know me know that I enjoy a good joke as much as the next guy but how much can I handle in a day's time?
We all have a wonderful privilege in that we have freedom of speech. We are free to communicate with as many people as we choose as regularly as we choose. The Internet has greatly facilitated communication. Unfortunately, not everything that is sent is responsible communication.
Paul gave two basic criteria for Godly communication. 1. That it serves to edify. 2. That it minister grace to the hearers.
The word “edify” means “to improve spiritually or morally by instruction or example. We are frequently warned in the scripture to be cautious about what we say. As believers, we bear a huge responsibility in the world for what we say in the Name of Christ. “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12).
The question remains, “shall we build up or do we tear down?” Some things that we share that are frivolous and fun may be understood and received by most enjoyment. There are others who are not strong in the faith whose faith can be destroyed by the things we have to say if we are not cautious. I have repeatedly paid the price of intemperate speech.
Ministering grace. What a wonderful sound! We are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace that we might receive mercy and grace to help in the time of need. As the recipients of the wonderful grace of God, we have the privilege of ministering it to others. The primary means we have of ministering grace is through what we have to say. We live in a society that is both sad and sick. Everywhere we turn there are people who need us to speak a good word—one that will minister grace to them.
It is easy to be incautious, not realizing who is listening and absorbing what we have to say. When we are cynical, negative, and critical about issues in the world or the church, their tender spirits can be shaped, damaged, or even crushed.
It is important therefore that we learn what it is to speak a gracious word. If the criteria for good speech given by Paul to those who would prophesy is right for the prophet, should we use any less standard? Paul said: “But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3).
The Psalmist voiced it like this: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalms 19:14). If what we have to say is acceptable to the Lord, then surely it will edify and minister grace to men.
Before you click on the send button on your next communication, stop and ask yourself this question: will this edify my readers and will it minister grace to them?
Jeff
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