Showing posts with label Harsh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harsh. Show all posts

Monday, July 15, 2024

Speaking With Grace

 Col 4:6
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Think before you speak. The words you speak can be hurtful or helpful. They can come across as harsh or gentle. We are admonished to speak with wisdom to those who are non-believers. How and what you say will impact their willingness to listen to what God’s word has to say. There are times when one must speak with authority and firmness, but it should never be done with malice and hate. Speaking with grace is allowing the Holy Spirit to take control and let Him speak through you. Being a follower of Christ is to consider how Jesus would speak. When speaking to the religious leaders that were using their “spirituality” to hide their wicked heart, He uncovered their sin with righteous indignation. His speech was revealing and convicting. Their hearts were exposed to their uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness for power. Yet to the woman who was caught in adultery, He spoke with divine grace, “Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more.” We are given the opportunity every day to show the grace of God to a messed up world lost in sin. We must always bear in mind that we may be the vessel God chooses to use to reach someone who is hurting and needs to hear us speak with love and grace.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Pleasant Words

Proverb 16:24
Pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.

There is little value in ever speaking harshly. Even when correctly a behavior of a child, speaking harshly without compassion can leave emotional scares that may never go away. It is sometimes necessary to speak firmly and with authority, but it should never be the intent to damage the spirit or demean someone. Anger can sometimes cause people to say things that they will regret later, that is why we must allow the Holy Spirit to check us before we speak. Are the words kind, are they true, and are they really necessary? The best way to diffuse a situation is speak positively and with a gracious attitude. Pleasant words will break the tension and allow others not to feel threatened. Speaking pleasant words is always in order.