In the first sentence of today’s scripture Paul admonishes us to not be drunk with wine, for that leads to debauchery. In other words, that leads to not having self-control and indulging in things that are not beneficial. But instead Paul gives a prescription of living in the spirit that includes what should come out of our mouths in regard to fellow Christians, and what should come out of our heart and mouth towards God.  

Think about if everyone heeded Paul’s advice and brought a melody of psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit into our conversations, and greetings with one another. What harmony would exist in those relationships! Having a thankful heart toward God and responding to people with that same gratitude of heart can bring such harmony.  

Recognizing that there is purposing and posturing that needs to take place for us to yield to the Holy Spirit is the first step. We cannot just be filled with the Spirit but we also have to be generous in laying down our own agendas, needs, and wants and submit to the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Secondly, there is a gratitude of heart towards God which makes being gracious to others more of a spontaneous response. Some people have such sweet spirits about them that graciousness towards others just seems to flow from them. However, like riding a bike many of us at first may need to think about how to balance, and maneuver so it may take our being more intentional to begin with. We may need to ask the Lord to put the words in our mouth that others need to hear – the compliment that is music to someone who is down, the word of encouragement that helps someone to keep going, the verse that gives someone direction.  

In addition, meditating on the things of God brings our thoughts, conversations, the very songs of our hearts into alignment with the Spirit. Our focus on Him can produce graciousness towards others as a natural overflow of a grateful heart. The Psalmist wrote Psalms 19:14 “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, Oh Lord my strength and my redeemer.” Let this be our prayer today.

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You that You offer Your Holy Spirit so generously to us, not only for a one-time baptism, but for an ongoing filling and refilling. We confess that we ask too rarely, that we often presume we are still filled with the Spirit even though our lives demonstrate grumbling, complaining, gossip and rarely Your living water. Give us living water by refilling us with Your Holy Spirit so that we can obey and speak to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Help us to sing and make music from our hearts to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything.

In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

We were encouraged this week to be generous in our relationships. Thoughtfully choose someone to reach out to today, whether in person, by phone, or electronically. Tell them a reason you are thankful to God for them, and share a verse from the Psalms or a link to a godly song to encourage them. Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit this week, and when you notice something “lovely…excellent or praiseworthy” in someone else, speak up and encourage them (Philippians 4:8).