Speech

September 9th – Proverbs 15:1

Week 2 – Wisdom In Speech (Proverbs 15:1)

The wisest of all kings, Solomon reminds us that our speech has the ability to either diffuse tension or escalate conflict. In difficult situations, it can be tempting to respond with sharp or defensive words. But wisdom calls us to speak gently and thoughtfully. Because when we choose kindness and patience in our speech, we reflect Christ’s love and create an atmosphere of peace. Practicing wisdom in our words means taking a moment to pause, pray, and consider the impact of what we are about to say. Are our words building up or tearing down? Are we listening more than we’re speaking? Now responding wisely doesn’t mean avoiding hard truths, but it does mean delivering them with grace and understanding. Because a soft answer not only honors God, but also leads to better outcomes for ourselves and those around us. For the way we speak can be a testimony to the transforming work of Christ in our hearts.

Questions For Reflection

  1. How can we practice responding with gentle words instead of reacting with frustration or anger, especially in challenging conversations?
  1. In what ways can we be more intentional about using our speech to promote peace and understanding, reflecting Christ’s love in our daily interactions?

A soft answer is like a whisper of peace, calming storms with gentle grace. 🙏🏻❤️

September 9th – Proverbs 15:1 Read More »

July 22nd – Ephesians 4:15

Ephesians 4:15

One of the signs of spiritual maturity, is the ability to speak truth in love. To be honest and transparent with others, without the fear of rejection or retaliation. Especially when speaking our truth. But that’s as long as our motivations are pure, aiming to build others up rather than tearing them down. Speaking truth in love involves balancing honesty with compassion, ensuring our words are both truthful and kind. This Christ-like communication fosters growth and maturity within the body of believers, strengthening our relationships and unity. It requires courage and grace, both of which we find abundantly in our freedom in Christ. As we embrace this freedom, we become conduits of God’s truth, delivering it with the same love and gentleness that Christ demonstrates towards us. This approach not only heals and reconciles but also reflects the heart of God, guiding others towards His love and truth. In essence, freedom in Christ transforms our speech, making us ambassadors of His truth and love in every interaction.

July 22nd – Ephesians 4:15 Read More »

May 26th – Matthew 12:36

Matthew 12:36

People like to say that the tongue is the strongest muscle of the body. And because the Lord knows the profound power and danger of the tongue, He gives a warning. One day we will each give an account for every careless word we speak. Our words can build up or tear down, heal or hurt. They reflect the state of our hearts and can have lasting impacts on others. In a world filled with anger, division, and hostility, it’s crucial to be mindful of our speech. Careless words can spread negativity, falsehoods, and pain, while thoughtful words can inspire, encourage, and bring peace. As followers of Jesus, we must strive to speak with wisdom, kindness, and truth. Our conversations should reflect His love and grace, building others up rather than tearing them down. By doing so, we honor God and demonstrate the transformative power of His Spirit in our lives. As we await His return, let us commit to using our tongues to glorify Him and edify those around us, knowing that every word matters in the eyes of our Savior.

May 26th – Matthew 12:36 Read More »

August 5th – Colossians 4:6

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

In the times of both the Old and New Testament, salt was used for more than just seasoning food. It served as a preservative, disinfectant, currency and part of a temple offering. And as followers of Jesus, our speech should carry the same value. Salt was often used to preserve meat and keep it from spoiling. Our words should preserve the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and keep it from being spoiled by those who would twist it. Salt was also often used to kill bacteria. With our speech we too can kill the bacteria of false gospels by sharing the inerrant Word of God. When the Romans were interesting in purchasing a slave, salt was given as payment. When our speech points others to Christ, we lead them to One who purchased their freedom with His precious blood. And when the people brought their sacrifices to the altar of burnt offerings, none could be offered without the seasoning of salt. The smell lifted to God as a pleasing aroma, as does as our speech when it’s filled with the flavor of grace, truth, humility, and love.

August 5th – Colossians 4:6 Read More »

November 13th – Ephesians 5:4

Ephesians 5:4

I once saw a sign which read, “No swearing or bad language allowed. As a bird is known by its note, so is a man known by his conversation.” As Christians the unbelieving world isn’t just watching our actions, its listening to the words we speak. And Paul tells us that our words should be anything but foul, offensive, and obscene. This includes swearing, sharing crude jokes, or speaking without self control. For merely by the words it utters, the tongue wields great power, either for good or evil. And we should seek to keep our thoughts and speech pure before the Lord. How? Paul tells us that if we have attitudes of gratitude, and hearts of thankfulness, “foolish talk” will have no place in our lives. The world is filled with enough vulgarity, and we as followers of Jesus need to be different. We need to, “let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person. “ (Colossians 4:6)

November 13th – Ephesians 5:4 Read More »