Our words reflect our personality, our thoughts and emotions. Therefore, as God’s children who have received the promise of salvation, we should glorify God with gracious and thankful words. Let’s find out what kind of words God wants us to use, by looking at the Bible.
1. We should throw away malice and speak good words
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Eph 4:29–32
The Bible emphasizes throwing away malice and speaking good words. God has freely forgiven us, who committed countless sins. As we live our lives, there are times when we get angry. However, we should quickly get rid of our anger, resembling God who is merciful and good. We should follow the will of God, who doesn’t want us to commit sin again, by speaking good and gracious words that are helpful for building others up.
2. We should speak gracious words
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Col 4:5-6
Just as we sprinkle the proper amount of salt to make food taste good, we should speak graceful and wise words to maintain harmonious relationships with those around us and lead them into the arms of God. Sometimes, we see a quarrelsome situation occur due to someone excessively boasting about themselves and speaking words that hurt others’ feelings. This problem arises when we speak words without consideration. While considering others, we should save souls with gracious and wise words and glorify God.
- Food for Thought
- What is the reason we should throw away malice and speak good words?
- Let’s remember a time when we heard gracious and wise words.