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One of the themes that Paul stresses in his letter to the Ephesians is that Christ-followers make up one family. Because God through Christ paid our penalty for sin and forgave us, we've been reconciled—brought near to him. We're a new society. Being united with Christ means we're to treat one another as family members and live in harmony with each other.

Ephesians 4:23-32

1. When you became a new person in Christ (v. 24) were your thoughts and attitudes renewed overnight? How would you describe the transformation process?
   
   
2. Why (v. 25) is transparent honesty essential to building mutual trust?
   
   
3. Does the way you deal with your anger (vv. 26-27) undermine relationships? How could you harness it for constructive results?
   
   
4. How can you shape your conversations (v. 29) to make them "good and helpful" to others?
   
   
5. How can you be alert to the other person's need and choose your words to challenge or encourage him?
   
   
6. How can you create appropriate occasions for constructive dialogue?
   
   
7. What self-serving talk of yours (v. 30) has grieved the Lord and others? How can the damage be patched up?
   
   
8. Has realizing the extent of God's forgiveness (v. 32) made you more ready to extend forgiveness to others?
   
   

Ask God to help you speak as his ambassador in all your interactions, expressing more of his agenda for humankind and less of what vindicates you.

Ephesians 4:23-32

23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.

25 So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. 26 And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

28 If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need. 29 Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Adapted from Adapted from Relationships: A Mess Worth Making (New Growth Press, 2006) by permission. All rights reserved by Tim Lane and Paul Tripp and/or New Growth Press.

Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Teach me, Lord, to stop using my words selfishly and instead shape them to help advance your kingdom.

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