Gracious Communication (part 2)

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Gracious Communication (part 2) Ephesians 4:25-5:2

Doug Sachtleben, Lead Pastor February 24, 2019

Ephesians 4:25-32 describes six qualities that should mark the speech of disciples of Jesus Christ. Last week, we saw seven resources that God supplies to equip us to be better at gracious communication: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Mandate (4:17-22) – You know Christ, stop communicating like an unbeliever. Hope (4:23) – God is supernaturally renewing us. New Reality (4:24) – We are new creatures in Christ. Incentive (4:25) – We are members of one another. Warnings (4:27 & 30) – There are spiritual consequences. Opportunity (4:29) – Our communication can build others up and give grace. Perfect Model (4:32 – 5:2) – Jesus Christ shows us gracious communication.

If you are trusting in Jesus Christ, the new life you have in Him should be shaping your heart so that the words you speak, write, and type are increasingly filled with truth and love, purpose and grace, and kindness and tenderness. Applying the Put-Off, Put-On reality as a pattern for Christian living (4:20-24, 28, Colossians 3:9-10)

1.

Put off lying and sinful anger AND put on truth and love (4:15-16, 25-26)

2. Put off corrupting speech AND put on purpose and grace (4:29)

3. Put off bitterness and malice AND put on kindness and tenderness (4:31-5:2)

Questions to Consider 1. As followers of Jesus Christ, why is it important that we don’t settle for only stopping bad behavior? What are some examples of words or actions that we must put off AND the words or action that should be put on in their place? 2. Can you think of a recent time when you believed you were justly angry, but did not sin? What kept you from letting your anger devolve into sin? 3. Why is it important that we keep truth and love bound closely together in our communication with others? What are possible consequences when we disconnect the two? Do you have a tendency to lean too far to one or the other? 4. How can you open the way for other believers to speak into your life when you becoming sinfully angry or saying things that are hurtful to those who hear them? 5. Read Ephesians 4:29. What do we know about the phrase “as fits the occasion”? What are some practical ways you can communicate to meet the needs of the listener? 6. What attitude do you find taking control most often in heated situations: How do I make my point? Or, how do I serve the person to whom I am speaking? 7. You believe you’ve been wronged and you want to speak to the person who you think wronged you. What does that look like? What should be your goal? How do you practically show kindness and tenderheartedness? For further reading: Graciousness, Tempering Truth with Love (2018) by John Crotts and Communication and Conflict Resolution (2005) by Stuart Scott.

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