Sermon: 3/8/26- Wednesday's Devotional

Wholesome Speech
Reading: Ephesians 4:29-32

Paul's instruction is crystal clear: no unwholesome talk should come from our mouths. The Message translation beautifully captures this: "Each word a gift." Imagine approaching every conversation as an opportunity to give gifts—words of encouragement, truth spoken in love, affirmation that builds up.
The opposite of wholesome isn't just profanity; it's anything that tears down. This includes "harmless" teasing that actually wounds, sarcastic comments that diminish others, or jokes at someone's expense. We rationalize these with "JK" or "Sorry," but our words have already done their work.
Today, let every word be intentional. Before speaking, ask: Is this helpful? Does it build up? Will it benefit the hearer? Make your words gifts worth receiving—encouragement to the discouraged, truth to the confused, love to the lonely.