As believers in Christ, we are called to speak graciously in Colossians 4:6 - Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Here, the word of God challenges us in how we address others. This should come as no surprise, as the Bible makes it clear that people should be careful what they say. The words we speak have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of those around us (Proverbs 4:23).
But what exactly is gracious speech? One way to understand it is to see gracious speech as the ability to communicate in a way that glorifies God's purpose and draws others to Him. Although most of us can confess that doing so isn't always easy, I believe this is how God wants us to speak to others. Fortunately, the Bible provides context and illustrates how to speak in a manner that is full of grace.
A believer speaks graciously when they consider that their every word will one day be judged (James 2:12). This requires the fear of the Lord and submission to the Spirit of God, who will counsel us on how and what to say. The way we speak should also set a good example to our fellow believers. 1 Timothy 4:12 - Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
Speaking graciously is required when we are asked why we believe in Jesus, even when the other person is being rude. We are called to communicate in a manner that disarms criticism and reflects Christ's character per 1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.
Gracious speech cannot be unwholesome. It, therefore, should not include foul language or lewd descriptions. Ephesians 4:29 - Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them (NLT). As priests and representatives of the Lord, believers speak graciously when they express themselves with godly knowledge and wisdom. Malachi 2:7 states, It is the duty of priests to teach the true knowledge of God. People should go to them to learn my will, because they are the messengers of the LORD Almighty (GNT).
Although we don't live in a world where gracious speech is respected or rewarded, Scripture cannot be set aside (John 10:35). We would therefore be remiss to ignore God's expectations for those of us who call ourselves Christians and/or His children. Yes, when you decided to obey Him, you may have been a person who spoke however you liked. However, the beautiful thing about having a relationship with the Lord is that while He accepts you as you are, He plans to change you into the fullness of who He created you to be for His purpose.
IJN, we shall allow the Lord to help us so we glorify Him with gracious speech. Amen. See you at Noon EST for fellowship. God bless you!
To learn more, please read:
ALTAR CALL
If you are yet to give your life to Christ, don't let this moment go by without doing so. And if you've backslidden and are living as you like instead of how God wants you to, now is the time to recommit.
It is time to repent and return to the Lord. It is time to commit yourself to living by His word and submit to having Jesus as your Lord and Savior.
Look, the video below will do a better job explaining things than I can, and it's only 8 minutes long. Yup, there are no cliff notes, please just watch.
If you watched the video to the end and said the prayer at the end, then welcome to being a child of God! You are now a born-again Christian! I pray you receive the Holy Spirit and are led in the ways of the Lord. Send me a message letting me know you said the prayer. I'll send you more materials so you can grow as a new creature, washed clean and restored.
Regardless, please make prayer a regular part of your life. It is simply you talking to the Lord. Also, please start reading the Bible and ask God to make it come alive for you. It holds all the answers you need. You can start by reading the Epistle of John, the Book of Acts, and the Book of Romans. Get water baptized as quickly as you can and ask God to lead you to a church of His choosing.
Congrats and God bless you!