(Speak Graceful Words)
TO THE BIBLE: Colossians 4:6 AMPC
“Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss] to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].”
LET’S TALK
Being polite is not a sign of weakness, but an outworking of the excellence of God in you.
In James 3:13-14, the Bible says, “Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth.”
In other words, when you use the right words to address others, you’re actually displaying the wisdom of God that’s in you. But bitterness in the heart of man will produce harsh words and abusive communication.
Let your words reflect the presence of the Spirit of God that lives in you. Colossians 4:6 says, “Be gracious in your speech.
The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (MSG). Let your words uplift, encourage, inspire, soothe and build. Don’t utter words that could inflict pain on others or stir up strife among people.
The Bible says in 2 Timothy 2:24, “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient.” See others with the eyes of God and address them that way.
Be humble in your communication (James 4:6). Don’t use insulting words to address people and don’t raise your voice against them. Live the higher life of good communication, and you’ll see the hand of God move in your behalf.
Go Deeper
Proverbs 15:1; Titus 3:2
Speak:
My life is for the glory of God. As I meditate on the Word of God today, my mind is renewed, causing me to think the right thoughts and say the right words. I know what to say, and I know when and how to say it. When I speak, I bring out the best in others, and minister grace to their hearts.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
1 Corinthians 7, Psalms 119:113-176
TWO YEAR
Luke 18:9-17, 1 Samuel 9
Act:
Write down three courteous habits you want to imbibe from now.