A Broken Record?

Ephesians 4.29 Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.

Just another reminder (see the section on "tongue") of the importance of those little things called words. They are power packed. Let's make them Holy Ghost power!

When I consider the fact that my words, my very words, have the ability to impart grace, I am amazed and thrilled. I have heard the word grace defined as divine enablement. The Geneva Study Bible says this: "By grace he means that by which men most profit with regard to going forward in godliness and love."

And the Bible says that we can use our tongue for those kinds of means. I can put grace into my children's lives. I can impart divine impetus to my husband. Hallelujah! How wonderful! How freeing! That can be our portion. We can believe that God will help us to do that because it is His will!

So don't grow weary today. If your tongue is unruly, don't be dismayed. Look to Him. Repent readily (I don't care if it is every 3 minutes all day long, and neither does He!) Repentance is the key to breaking sin. That repentance must not only be toward God, but must also be directed at the offended. Don't hesitate to repent to your kids. They not only deserve it but they benefit greatly from hearing your genuine repentance in two ways.

First, it cleans your relationship with them. You cannot and should not gloss over your sin against them. They are complete people who deserve your complete respect. Even though you may feel that they cannot understand, in the spirit realm the slate is wiped clean. It is as necessary for you as it is for them. Don't let the enemy have any foothold. Christ died just for this reason: our sin. Humble yourself and accept His cleansing quickly and thoroughly. He does not grow weary of giving mercy so do not let yourself grow weary in asking!

Second, regular and consistent repentance models for your children an important lesson: how does mom or dad deal with failure? When they see you acknowledge sin before them they learn humility. When they observe you obtaining mercy from Him they learn where to turn for help in time of need. When you are doing this regularly they learn that His mercy never runs out.

Tell me, are there any more important life messages that you need to impart today? And these lessons come because we are all sinners saved by grace. It sure doesn't get any better than this!