AUGUST 14, 2025
Topic: “OUTCOMES OF INTIMACY IN THE CHURCH – POSITIVE INFLUENCE ON OTHERS“
Text: Matthew 5:13-16
Memory Verse: “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. Ephesians 4:29
The scriptures emphasize the importance of using our words in a way that build others up. It instructs believers to “let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” Essentially this means avoiding harmful or destructive language and instead focusing on speaking words that are helpful, encouraging, and conducive to spiritual growth.
God empowers His people to break away from the old self’s ways to live under the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit. The apostle challenges us to a completely different standard of speech. The reasoning is that we have put on Christ and only speak words that Jesus might speak if He lived among us. We can, by His grace control our mouths and words as well as our bodies as we serve the Lord’s greater purposes. Instead of being self-absorbed, we focus on the needs of others around us.
The talkative person needs to regularly think of how their words can positively help another instead of speaking what comes to their mind at the moment. The quiet person, on the other hand, must learn to minister with their words as well. The goal is for words to convey God’s grace and love. Grace-filled words are not only kind and encouraging but also reflect the character and values of Christ. They can bring comfort, hope, and a sense of belonging to those who hear them.
We are admonished in Colossians 4:6 to “Let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer everyone.” The Lord is counting on us to let our light shine before others, so that they may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven. This is an outcome of intimacy in the Church.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we come before you, recognising that our words have the power to build up or tear down. We ask for your wisdom and guidance in our conversations so that we may always speak words that are kind, encouraging, and truly beneficial to those around us in Jesus’mighty name. Amen.