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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.

 

Close to a decade ago, we experienced issues in youth ministry with divisiveness in language. In order to combat this issue and bring kids together, we spent most of the year focusing on Ephesians 4:29. We got to the point that if someone said something negative or harsh, it was generally confronted with someone yelling out “429”. To this day, I still find my brain calling out “429” when I find myself being unkind in my words or thoughts.

 

It can be difficult to live into what God wants for us. There seems to be an overwhelming list of expectations throughout scripture. Don’t do this. Always do this. Love everyone. How do we stay on top of it all? We cannot. It is humanly impossible. This does not mean throw your hands up and walk away. Instead, find one thing you can focus on to help bring you peace and fullness of life. Then, find Scripture that you can wrap around your life daily. Then just live in that Scripture. Remarkably, like those kids back then, that Scripture will become your way of living, and it will eventually become second nature. Once that happens, find another. Then another. Slowly, you will find those rough edges of your life become smoother as you rely on God’s Word to direct what you do.

 

Benevolent Lord, I want to live as you call me to live. Place your Word upon my heart so I can hear your love in my life each step of the day. Amen

 

Chad Ryberg

Cryberg@livinglord.org

 

Prayer Concern: That those who lead may find wisdom in the Lord.