Speak Courteously and Seasoned

The delectable taste of chocolate cake sprinkled with a pinch of sea salt will explode in your mouth bite after bite with a nice cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk. The taste is phenomenal. Some may scoff at such an entanglement of ingredients, but the primary function of the salt is to enhance the flavors of all the cake ingredients. Again, not too much, just a perfect pinch on top.

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
─ Colossians 4:6 ESV

While your conversations may not be chocolate cake, your speech can be sweet and reassuring. Your communication with others reflects your character and the traits you adhere to best. Paul encouraged Christians to devote themselves to prayer and be thankful for the things the Lord provides. He urged fellow believers to be wise in the way they act around those who are not Christians and allow their words to be polite, sweet, gracious and truthful.

In the everyday world of work, family and friends, you have the privilege of speaking foundational words that can encourage, strategize, inspire and educate. Naturally, words can bring vibrancy or discouragement. As pastor Alan Redpath said, “Think before you speak” so you can share what is Truthful, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind (THINK is an acronym to help you remember these five words).

Think before you speak (or write) so your words bring life to others.

God has given you the responsibility to wisely use your tongue (speech) to bring healing and encouragement. Think before you speak (or write) so your words bring life to others. Yes, even consider the person who you think is all put together or the friend who has shared very personal challenges with you. Keep in mind, the timing of your communication is just as important as what is communicated.

Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your words with divine direction. He will deliver some great phrases if you allow Him to be the conduit to provide such precise communication. God loves you, and He loves others just as much. Your kind communication may just hit the spot like a delicious piece of chocolate cake and a cold glass of milk.

Today’s One Thing
Pursue a quest to enhance your communication built on Scripture by conducting an internet search for “Bible verses about speech.” Scripture provides many verses to help shape your communication in a pleasant way.

Go Deeper

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