Something of some substance.

I'm co-leading a Sunday school class at my church, and we're working through the book of Ephesians. I wasn't able to get to class last week, so I was doing the reading just now, and reading a little ahead of where I think they got to, and I found what I try to live by spelled out. It's really neat, and it has a few little twists that I need to remember and implement in my life.

Ephesians 4.29
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.
So swearing is pretty much out of the question, as is gossip. That's pretty cool, 'cuz who likes to get cussed out?

Ephesians 4.31
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
We don't use a lot of those words very often, so I looked them up and translated the dictionary translations. Has anybody else noticed that the dictionary sometimes uses the lamest words? It likes to make us use it.....maybe that's not such a bad thing......^_^
Bitterness- just kind of nastiness, cynicism or ill will.
Rage- violent and uncontrolled anger
Brawling- noisy fighting
Slander- something damaging to another person's reputation.
Malice- desire to cause pain, injury, or distress to another

Ephesians 4.32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Compassion is being aware of someone else's distress and wanting to make it better, or to "desire to alleviate" it. I love that verse because it gives a way of life that actually makes you pretty joyful.



^_^


Yeah.
I'm happy.
God is so good.
Please put your thoughts out on this one.