A New Way of Speaking

Often we allow our mouths to run before our brains and we then regret what has been said. Once something is said, it is out there and cannot be taken back. Therefore, we must be careful of what we say. Think before we speak. Do you ever think, “If I say this, how will it affect that person?” or “Is this for me to say to that person?” or “How can I say this so that this person is receptive to what I am sharing with him/her?” or “What is that person going through that is causing them to behave this way?” or “Why am I thinking this way in dealing with this person?” or “What is my purpose for telling this person this?”
Those mentioned are just a few ideas of thoughts that should come to mind before you speak. We don’t know what is going on in the hearts, minds, and lives of people. We only know what has been expressed outwardly. We judge what we see and hear.  But, while man looks on the outside, God looks on the inside.  Does this give us an excuse to live the way we want because we know that God knows our hearts and that we want to live right although we choose not to? No. If we want to live right according to God’s word, then live right, live what is in your heart. By your actions and your words you will be either condemned or justified.

However, today, we are talking about our words. Words can cut someone down or it can build them up. Below are some excellent scriptures that inform us what types of words we should be using with others. But, first, I will share scriptures that will direct us if we are offended.

Psalm 119:165 “Schin” – Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.

So, now that we know that we are not to be so easily offended, what do we do if we are offended?

Ephesians 4:26, 27 – Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: Neither give place to the devil.

You have to get the problem taken care of and not let it stew in the juices of anger.  Otherwise, it begins to ferment and your anger begins to turn to bitterness.  So... TALK it out.

Ephesians 4:31, 32 – Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

When you are talking, don't use judgmental words and names.  Just tell what the problem or situation is, without casting blame.  It is hard to do, especially when you are hurt, but it is not about you winning and someone else losing.  It is about the problem being solved or the situation being taken care of with your relationship still intact healthfully.

What words can we use to speak to people?
Ephesians 4:25 – Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

Ephesians 4:29, 30 – Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Romans 14:19 – Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 – Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.  See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.

Psalm 34:13 – Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile. Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.

No one said it would be easy, but it is possible because YOU can do all things through Christ who strengthens YOU.   So, let's lift up, edify, and encourage someone today with our words.


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