This week, we ask how the gospel informs how we communicate. The gospel teaches us that our words have great power; therefore, we ought to use them wisely. In its simplest, gospel communication is communication that builds others up rather than tearing them down. As believers, the words we speak and the tone we use ought to reflect Christ such that He is made real to all who hear us.
Ephesians 4:29-5:4
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. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
5:1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL
VERSION ®. NIV®. COPYRIGHT © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by
Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Discussion Questions
- Take a moment to consider the way you communicate. Do you regularly build others up or tear them down?
- Do you have different communication habits at home, at school, at work, or at church? If so, why?
- In Ephesians 4:15, the Bible exhorts us to speak the truth in love to one another. Are you more drawn towards speaking the truth or speaking love? Why?
- How might your tendency lead to communication that doesn’t reflect the gospel?
- In order for us to become gospel communicators, why must the gospel be the dominant force in our hearts?
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