For some reason, my five-year-old grandson is in love with my broccoli. Like most five-year-olds, he can be a little picky when it comes to food, so I am delighted that we found something he likes. And it is akin to a fabulous Julia Child recipe: steam fresh broccoli in the microwave, add butter and salt. Voila! Bon Appetit!

We had all six grandchildren together last week and I served the aforementioned broccoli. Layne excitedly declared, “GUYS! We’re having Nana’s World Famous Broccoli!” He needs to be an Influencer when he grows up. They devoured it like it was Boeuf Bourguignon made by the French Chef herself.

This is a demonstration of the power of a positive word. Not only does he make me feel good, he convinces his peers to eat something healthy. Positive words can go a long way in changing the atmosphere for the better.

Paul knew a thing or two about the power of words. With his words he was able to build the church, convert pagans and Jews, and establish the Gospel across the known word. He also understood how effective words of affirmation could be:

Ephesians 4 (New Revised Standard Version)

²⁹ Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. 

Paul wrote these words while he was in prison in Rome. He took that time to think deeply about matters of faith. Ephesians is said to be some of his best theology. Rather than addressing specific situations in specific churches, he let the Holy Spirit guide him through a deeper understanding of Christ’s death and resurrection, particularly focusing on grace.

Do you give grace with your words to others, or do condemnation and judgment flow out of your mouth? Do people hear the echoes of Jesus in your conversations, or do you sound like everybody else on the street?

Let’s end by looking at the entire passage, which gives new rules for our new lives:

²⁵ So then, putting away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with your neighbor, for we are members of one another. ²⁶ Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, ²⁷ and do not make room for the devil. ²⁸ Those who steal must give up stealing; rather, let them labor, doing good work with their own hands, so as to have something to share with the needy. ²⁹ Let no evil talk come out of your mouths but only what is good for building up, as there is need, so that your words may give grace to those who hear. ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with which you were marked with a seal for the day of redemption.³¹ Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice. ³² Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you.

Today’s challenge: Be kind.

Ephesus