Ephesians 4:25-31

Some criticism isn't helpful, it is withering, so how do we deal with it? Rubel Shelly reminds us that unfair criticism is a part of life so we need to rely on our relationship with God to overcome it and we need to not ever become one of those kinds of criticizers.

How deep does our deception go? We live in a world of deception but God has called us to be Kingdom people, people who tell the truth and do not deceive, yet forgive those who confess their deceitfulness to us.

"Dear Father, worthy of my love and obedience, May the thought of deceit or falsehood never enter into my relations with my brothers and sisters in..."

"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on...."

"In your anger do not sin : Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold."

""In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. "

"And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander,...."

"And "don't sin by letting anger control you." Don't let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil."

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:26-27 -- "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. - Ephesians 4:30-31

"Instead [of living by your corrupt sinful nature], let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God —..."

Where can we learn the real truth about living in a conflict filled world? Driver's Ed teaches us that we have to drive responsibly for everyone, not just ourselves!

We long for the day when we know fully, even as we are fully known! Ron Rose is back at Black Rifle Coffee Company and visiting with friends about Pentecost Sunday and knowing each other's names.

"Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't..."

"And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating..."

"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

"Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body."

"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..."

"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..."

"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..."

"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..."

"Don't use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them."

"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of...."

"So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body."

"All that the believer has must come from Christ, but it comes solely through the channel of the Spirit of grace. Moreover, as all blessings thus flow...."

"If you are a thief, quit stealing. Instead, use your hands for good hard work, and then give generously to others in need."

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 4:25 -- Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

Inspirational illustration of Ephesians 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.

"Dear Precious Disciple, Paul beautifully described the Father's grace in the first part of his letter to the Ephesians. He emphasized that the..."

Can you really forgive? Forgiving others when they have truly hurt us is the hardest grace of all.

Aren't we way past too far? Shock jocks have tried to out do each other in shocking, crude, and obscene remarks on radio, TV, and interviews and they have crossed the line and we are the only ones who can do something about it.

"A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself under control. And don’t sin by letting anger control you. Don’t let the sun go...."

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other,..."

We are ToGather: People from around the world, gathered virtually, to honor God as we are reshaped by his Spirit to do the work of Jesus in our broken world. Phil Ware and Demetrius Collins invite us to worship God and celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit as we are transformed to be more like our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

What do we do when our partners are involved in email relationships? Joe Beam deals with the challenging issue of improper email relationships.

A powerful image of renewal! Pasquale Mingarelli shares pictures and a Bible study to help us remember that spring is the time for renewal

While we're railing at the candidates, how about we take a look in the mirror? Rubel Shelly reminds us that it isn't just the politicians who use harsh and unfair speech.

Are you telling it straight with God, or bending the truth a little? Bill Denton introduces us to a new word, communifaking, and also challenges us to communicate truthfully.

Have you learned this important spiritual skill? We need to learn that there is a time to be silent.

So what's the real issue behind this issue? Rubel Shelly takes on the issue of a recent suicide because a person's recent sexual escapades were shown online without his permission and Rubel reminds us that the issue is about gossip and both fact and intention for sharing news matters.

When is free speech not exactly free? Rubel Shelly shares his feelings and insights into civility and free speech in politics, sports, and real life.

Just a few words and our presence can make all the difference in the world! Ron Rose reminds us that a few words and our physical presence can make all the difference in the life of someone else, just like Al Ware made a difference in Ron's life.

Is there ever a time not to tell the truth? No matter if it is the corporate world, school, church, or friendships we owe each other the truth and should not lie or withhold the truth.

How well are you at listening and being heard? Messing up his communication with his wife, Paul learns the lesson of the importance of good communication.

Would you have told the truth in such dire circumstances? Rubel Shelly challenges us with an old story to be people of truth and respect even in the most dire and painful circumstances and treat people with the same ethical respect we would expect ourselves.

Let's worship today, praising God and asking for the help of the Holy Spirit as we seek to respond to people as Jesus did! Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in online, virtual worship through words and music using YouTube videos to help us understand how to give fitting replies to others in different conversation contexts.

Would you have come clean? Mike Barres holds himself accountable for telling the truth, the full truth, and not deceiving others when it is in his best interest.

God's holiness and grace call us to live our lives to bless others with what we do and what we say. Demetrius Collins and Phil Ware lead us in a virtual, DIY, worship through words and music using YouTube videos to praise God for his holiness and grace and call each other to use our lives, our speech, and our actions to bless others.

My own lack of forgiveness toward others can shut off the flow of God's forgiveness to me. Phil Ware with Grady King give us insight on Jesus' example and command to forgive others as we pray for our own forgiveness.

"Dear Beloved, Learn to wait and think before you speak. Give the Holy Spirit an opportunity to guide your conversation instead of being thrust into....."

Have you really thrown them away or just tried to clean them up? We need to not only be sorry for our sin, but we also need to get rid of the things in our lives that lead us to sin.

Sometimes the most profound grace is based on simple action. The Amish are an example of simple piety that cares to honor God above getting even: it is their character and not their dress or agrarian culture we need to imitate.

Why is it so hard to forgive? We've got to deal with our own unforgiving spirit.

How much are you willing to forgive? An example of unbelievable forgiveness in the face of murder challenges our narrow notions of forgiving others.

How frequently do you and lie?

Is living throwing you nothing but curve balls? Life is full of all sorts of problems and curve balls: how we handle them determins our real faith.

Is it really worth the cost? Ron Rose reminds us of the need to forgive, not just because we are commanded but because we are imprisoned in bitterness when we don't.

How clean can you get? When we forgive, it cleanses us like a spring rain.

Preparing my mouth for marriage... and beyond! Byron Ware reminds us of the vital importance of how we communicate both in the words we choose to say, not speak, and the non-verbals we use as we speak them.

What difference does a little criticism really make? Criticism hurts even when, or maybe especially when, it is dressed in pretty packages and given to us over a long time.

What do you do when you have those who offend you When someone has hurt you and you can get even, what are you going to do?

When do you go a little around the bend? We need to recognize that we get a little stupid and out of control when we are tired and so we should do something to prevent it!

Is an apology offered before the fact really an apology? Joey Cope describes his difficulty in dealing with someone who is critical and negative and who begins his statements with an apology.

Is your storehouse of anger doing you any good? Are you happier? Better? More fun to be with? Max Lucado helps us deal with the hurts of the heart that lead to bitterness, anger, and depression, as we are provoked and frustrated into sullen and negative states of spirit and emotion and mind.