The Right Words

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you might answer each one." (Colossians 4:6) 

Contained in most conversations is the talk about another person, or party. In most cases, it is negative information that is shared. And the more that person is involved in this, the more it becomes very automatic.

Without thinking we share gossip, and negative information about others. How damaging it is, when that information comes back to the one, who has been the subject of such discourse. Relationships are damaged, and reconciliation does not happen, in many cases such as this.

The apostle Paul says: "Let your speech always be with grace." In other words, always speak the best about someone, even though they do have faults, and shortcomings, just like us. As we continually walk in the grace of God, may we always extend that grace, not only in what we say, but in our actions toward others. Putting forth the positive in our words and actions, will always produce good results in our relationships.

When I think of how salt gives flavor to the food we eat. I think about how encouragement gives flavor to our words. The right words spoken, will make more of difference than we realize. Words can make or break someone's spirit in a given situation. Our words are powerful, and we need to realize how effective they can be.

A good question is: What would Jesus say to that person? What words would He choose to make a difference in that person's life?

When we give an answer to others, may it be as positive, and productive as it can be!
It will truly make a difference for them, and for us! GP

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Committing To Our Words

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits." (Proverbs 18:21)

 James says in his letter that "...the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles." (James 3:5) 

In the church, we are to be an example of the right way to use our words. Our words are to be of encouragement when needed, correction when needed, criticism when needed. And all of our words are to be seasoned heavily with love.

But the damage the tongue can do, is no small thing. I have always said that this saying is a lie. "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  I haven't researched who first wrote those words. If you know, please email me, and let me know. But the truth of the matter is, that words can, and do hurt, even for a lifetime.

What is important, when it comes to our words, is that we make a commitment that whatever we say, it is going to be for betterment of the person we are communicating with. We determine to use our words to be a healing balm for those who are listening.

Yes, the tongue is a powerful organ of our physical body. It has the power to destroy, or to save. Just in the words we say, we have a powerful affect over others. And yes, our words will come back and cause us to eats its fruits.

Let's do what the Apostle Paul encouraged us to do, and that is to "Speak the truth in love." (Ephesians 4:15) GP

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The Choice Of Our Words

"Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things, see how great a forest a little fire kindles." (James 3:5) 

How powerful is a sentence? How powerful is a group of words with the intent to hurt, and to incite conflict for a lifetime?

The line: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" is a lie. Words spoken in anger and hate, can cripple a person's inner spirit for a lifetime. How many people have taken the bitterness of spiteful words to their grave?

James brings out in our text, that even though the tongue is a little member, a small organ in the body, it can be used to start a fiery fight that will lead to much destruction. If what we say is intended to be positive criticism, than what we say should be seasoned with love.

 The choice of our words, and the tone of our voice, should carry the intent of our heart. And that is where it all begins. In the intent of our heart. So often the anger we are feeling, leads to the lack of control of our tongue, and we find ourselves saying things, we never meant to say.

James gives us a warning here. To know the impact of our words.
They can cripple, or they can comfort. The choice is ours! GP

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