There is so much in these verses, I hardly know where to start, so I am going to break it up into chunks. There are many truths we can live by contained here.
25 Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbour, for we are all members of one body
Not only do we need to ensure we are honest with people, but we should also be honest with ourselves, and not try to portray an image of ourselves to others that is not accurate. Acting like someone your not will not enable others to guide and encourage you correctly for the person you really are.
26“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, 27 and do not give the devil a foothold.
Sin is something that will always bring us down. I think I have quoted my friend before when she said, “becoming a Christian takes the fun out of sinning!” We know that there really is no fun in sinning as it never satisfies, however I think she is referring to the feeling we as Christians get afterwards and even during! Guilt! Guilt does not help to build us up, or encourage us to do great things for the Lord. It acts to dampen our spirits and loose confidence in ourselves and His great purpose. In this state, as a result it can also lead to more sin, be it of the same nature, or a catalogue of issues, the devil will use anything to bring us crashing to a halt!
28 He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
Once we become Christians, we shouldn’t look to continue in our old ways.
Be it in this case stealing, or in other cases alcohol, pornography, sex, gambling, drugs, whatever the compulsion or addiction. These things build barriers between us and the Lord. Be become consumed by them, and loose focus on the Living Word of God that edifies us and bursts for Living Water and fulfils our lives.
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.
Sometimes a bad word against somebody, an ill placed joke or offensive word can discourage another brother or sister. We need to encourage one another, enabling us all to grow in the Lord, and prompting
us to action.
30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
When you become a Christian, the Holy Spirit enters your life. The Holy Spirit gives us strength to live by, wisdom, comfort, in fact check out all the wonderful gifts of the Holy Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Grieving Him through sin, neglect, doubt etc starves us of the amazing gifts He has to bestow in our lives.
31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.
Again, use of words can discourage others and is not a good witness to the lost who look to us as examples of the Love of God.
32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
With a list of “what not to do’s”, these two verses guide us in the right direction. You will have heard me use the word imitate many times in my reading journals, and I am amazed at how many times it crops up. It’s a healthy reminder to us hungry to get it right for Jesus! The reason I wear a WWJD wrist band, is to remind me of one of my main principles to live by. What would Jesus do in this situation? Would Jesus forgive this person? Would Jesus do this? Would Jesus go and pray with that person?
This verse sums it up:
Ephesians 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children
