Ian & Jocelyn Barker

In 4:24, Paul commands us to put on the new self, created in the image of God. Now, in 8 verses he describes how a person acts when they have put on the new self. He carries on the same theme of family and unity by giving us boundary markers as to how we are to treat one another.

He begins by reiterating that we are to speak truth to one another. Rather than speaking truth to free someone from delusion, we are to be honest with one another. A lack of honesty leads us to be angry because lies and distrust build which opens the door for accusation and anger. Paul offers an interesting commentary on how those who are poor are to treat their neighbor. Rather than stealing or relying on other’s for money, they are to get a job and make their own money. Then, they can give to others. He doesn’t say anything about how we are to treat the poor, or how long we are to extend mercy before we can hold them accountable for providing for themselves.

How hard verse 29 is to walk out! We are to let no “unwholesome word” come out of our mouths, but only speak that which is good for edification and what is needed in the moment. A failure to do so actually grieves the Holy Spirit. When was the last time that I actually stopped and thought about if the words I was about to say were needed? Sometimes I will stop myself, only to be convinced to say them anyway in the name of “honesty” or “openness”. The underlying rule of all our behavior is that we are to act towards one another as Christ has acted towards us.