Show off yourself – Part 2

God has revealed Himself through His Word, the Bible. We too reveal a lot of ourselves through the words we speak.

God speaks with confidence and authority. (Gen 1.3) Jesus used words in order to heal, teach, rebuke, and pray. His words also displayed His character. Created in His image and likeness, we are also expected to reflect God’s character through our words.

In Matthew 12.34b, Jesus reproaches the Pharisees, “You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks”. (NIV)

 For this reason, in Ephesians 4:29, Paul urges one and all, “Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. (AMP)

The scripture gives us further instructions on the manner we are to speak

i.         Our words must be full of grace and seasoned with salt. Col 4.5-6 

“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.”

a.       Grace is the salt which seasons our speech, and keeps it from becoming undignified. The dictionary defines Grace as elegance, style, refinement, polish, and charm

b.      It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.

 

ii.       We are to “speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs”. Ephesians 5:19

     Gossip is high on the list of unwholesome speech.God lists gossip among the most depraved sins (Rom. 1:28-31). Nothing about gossip is harmless. Whether the talk is intentionally hurtful or simply some idle musing, it has the power to hurt feelings, destroy reputations, and divide churches. We do not have the right to bring such damage into anyone’s life. In fact, God is the only One we should turn to when we hear a story. Those facing trials need prayer rather than tongues wagging over their misfortunes (Gal. 6:2).

Today make the decision to season your words with grace and salt. Be determined to speak like Jesus in  order to heal, teach, encourage and comfort one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.