When the Spirit Speaks Stewarding the Gift of Speech

Scripture Focus
 
“Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification, according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NASB 1995)
 
 
 
Sermon Reflection
 
God cares deeply about our words because our words reveal our walk. Speech is never neutral. Every word we speak is either building something up or tearing something down. Paul reminds believers that if our life has been transformed by Christ, then our language must reflect that transformation.
 
In Scripture, the gift of speech is not treated as a talent to be admired but as a stewardship to be handled carefully. Teaching, exhortation, wisdom, knowledge, and proclamation are not self-generated abilities. They originate with the Father, center on the Son, and are empowered by the Holy Spirit.
 
Jeremiah’s calling reminds us that before we ever spoke a word, God had a word He intended to speak through us. Jesus shows us that even divine speech operates in submission to the Father. And the Spirit reminds us that no true word from God is spoken apart from His power. The gift of speech is not about sounding impressive. It is about faithfully proclaiming Christ so that others may grow, be corrected, be encouraged, and be drawn closer to Him.
 
 
 
How I Should Respond
 
I must take responsibility for my words. Before I speak, I need to remember that my mouth is not a platform for my opinions but a vessel for God’s purpose. If I have been given opportunities to teach, encourage, correct, or share truth, then I must steward those moments with humility and reverence.
 
I should examine whether my words consistently give grace. Do they reflect a heart submitted to God? Do they point people to Christ, or do they draw attention to me? I am not called to perform or impress, but to proclaim faithfully what God has revealed. This week, I choose to slow down, listen more closely to the Spirit, and allow my speech to be shaped by prayer, Scripture, and love for the Body.
 
 
 
Weekly Prayer
 
Father,
Thank You for entrusting Your people with words that can bring life. Guard my heart so that my speech flows from intimacy with You. Help me to speak only what You have given, in the way You desire, and at the time You appoint. Keep me humble, dependent, and sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. May my words always point others to Christ and give grace to those who hear. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
 
 
Application for the Week
 
A 5-Day Walk of Intentional Speech
 
Day 1 – Examine My Words
Reflect on Ephesians 4:29. Pay attention to your conversations today. Ask yourself whether your words are building up or breaking down.
 
Day 2 – Examine My Heart
Read Luke 6:45. Spend time in prayer asking God to reveal what your speech says about your heart.
 
Day 3 – Submit My Message
Read John 12:49–50. Before speaking today, pause and ask, “Is this what the Father would have me say?”
 
Day 4 – Depend on the Spirit
Read 1 Peter 4:11. Pray before any opportunity to speak, whether public or private, asking the Spirit to guide your words.
 
Day 5 – Proclaim Christ
Read Colossians 1:28. Intentionally speak about Christ this week, through encouragement, teaching, or testimony, trusting God to use your words for maturity and growth.
 
 
 
Final Thought
 
God never gives the gift of speech without purpose. The Father appoints it, the Son defines it, and the Spirit empowers it. When we speak as those who have first been spoken to by God, our words become instruments of grace. May we steward our speech carefully, reverently, and faithfully, for His glory and the good of His people.