We’ve spent the past few posts walking through Ephesians 4, where Paul challenges us to break free from our old selves and step into the new life we have in Christ. This transformation isn’t just about changing what we believe—it’s about changing how we live, how we speak, and how we interact with others.

This week, we continue looking at how we should live differently as new creations in Christ. Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:25-32 focus on how we treat others, how we control our words, and how we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us.

So today, let’s take a deeper look at three key ways we can break free from our old selves and fully live the transformed life Christ has given us.

1. Use Your Words to Build, Not Destroy

📖 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Our words have incredible power—they can heal or harm, build up or tear down, bring life or cause destruction.

Many of us grew up hearing the phrase, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” But we all know that’s not true. Words do hurt. In fact, words can leave wounds that last far longer than physical injuries.

Paul commands us to let go of corrupting talk—anything that:
❌ Tears others down
❌ Spreads gossip
❌ Speaks in anger or bitterness
❌ Criticizes rather than encourages

Instead, we are called to speak words that build up—words that encourage, inspire, and strengthen.

The THINK Test: A Guide for Your Words

I want to share something that Amy used to teach our kids to consider what words they speak into another person’s life. It’s an acronym that serves as a simple but powerful guide for how we should filter our words before we speak:

🔹 T – Is it True?
Before speaking, ask yourself: Is what I’m about to say factually accurate? Or am I assuming, exaggerating, or misrepresenting the truth?

🔹 H – Is it Helpful?
Does what I’m about to say actually help the situation, or am I just venting frustration or stirring negativity?

🔹 I – Is it Inspiring?
Will my words lift someone up, encourage them, or bring them closer to Christ?

🔹 N – Is it Necessary?
Does this need to be said? Just because something is true doesn’t mean it’s always necessary to say it.

🔹 K – Is it Kind?
Are my words spoken with love and grace? Even correction should be given with kindness, not cruelty.

This THINK test helps us ensure that our words align with God’s call to build others up, not tear them down.

🔥 Challenge: Before you speak this week, pause and THINK. Let’s use our words to bring grace to those who hear.

2. Don’t Grieve the Holy Spirit

📖 “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” (Ephesians 4:30)

When we continue in sin—whether in our words, actions, or attitudes—it grieves the Holy Spirit.

💡 To grieve the Holy Spirit means to sadden or bring sorrow to Him.

How do we do this?
❌ When we allow bitterness or anger to control us
❌ When we speak harsh, unkind words
❌ When we hold onto unforgiveness
❌ When we live in a way that contradicts our faith

The Holy Spirit is not just a force or feeling—He is a person who dwells within us, guides us, and empowers us.

When we ignore His leading, when we refuse to let go of sin, when we hold onto anger, resentment, and negativity, we sadden the Spirit who lives within us.

🔥 Challenge: This week, ask yourself: Am I grieving the Holy Spirit with my attitude, words, or actions? If so, it’s time to repent and realign our hearts with God’s truth.

3. Replace Bitterness with Kindness and Forgiveness

📖 “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31)

Bitterness is a slow poison. It starts small, but over time, it hardens our hearts, ruins relationships, and destroys joy.

Paul says we must put away all bitterness, anger, and malice. That means:
🚫 Letting go of grudges
🚫 Releasing resentment
🚫 Refusing to speak badly about others

Instead, he calls us to replace it with something far better:

📖 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

👉 Kindness should replace cruelty.
👉 Compassion should replace resentment.
👉 Forgiveness should replace bitterness.

This isn’t always easy. There are times when people hurt us deeply, and forgiveness feels impossible. But remember:

✅ We forgive because Christ forgave us.
✅ We release bitterness so we can live in freedom.
✅ We choose kindness because we are a reflection of Jesus.

🔥 Challenge: Who do you need to forgive this week? Ask God to help you release the burden of bitterness and walk in freedom.

Final Thought: It’s Time to Walk in the New Life

Paul’s message in Ephesians 4:25-32 reminds us that breaking free from our old selves isn’t just about what we believe—it’s about how we live.

🚀 Are you using your words to build up or tear down?
🚀 Are you grieving the Holy Spirit with unresolved sin?
🚀 Are you holding onto bitterness instead of choosing kindness and forgiveness?

The new life in Christ calls us to speak truth, control our anger, and walk in love.

📌 This week, let’s commit to living differently.
✔ THINK before we speak.
✔ Watch our words and attitudes.
✔ Choose forgiveness over bitterness.
✔ Honor the Holy Spirit by walking in obedience.

Because in Christ, we are free.

And it’s time to live like it. 🙌