Words

We never know how our words affect other people.  Words can heal or harm.  They can encourage or discourage.  They can bless or curse.

Sometimes it is not the words but the way we say them that makes the difference.  Often our underlying attitude comes through in how we speak.  We can speak softly or harshly the same words with much different results.

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

The Greeks used the word salt as an emblem of wit. So this could mean our words should be used to make what we say pleasing and useful.  Also salt is used in meat to preserve it and keep it fit to eat.  And so with our words, they should be encouraging, helpful and most of all kind.  There are times when we must use our words to correct or deal with unpleasant things.  Even then our words should be spoken with grace, in a manner which is accordance with exemplifying a Christ-like spirit.

James 3:10 says, Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

Now I don't think this applies only to cursing, but also to words that injure or hurt.

Just today someone replied to an innocent statement with harsh words.  I am trying to learn from these times to remember that Christians will face times when they want to respond in the same manner, but if we are trying to live a Christ-like life, maybe He is allowing this in order that we might grow.  After these words were spoken to me I went to download a sermon I had received on CD and realized the title was "Watch Your Mouth".  I think it was a reminder from the Lord that I was not to be harsh in return.  Then a short time later I heard the song by Greater Vision,

God Wants to Hear You Sing

Their chains were fastened tight

Down at the jail that night

Still Paul and Silas would not be dismayed.

They said, “It’s time to lift our voice

Sing praises to the Lord

Let’s prove that we will trust Him come what may.”

CHORUS      

God wants to hear you sing

When the waves are crashing ‘round you

When the fiery darts surround you

When despair is all you see.

God wants to hear your voice

When the wisest man has spoken

And says, “Your circumstance is as hopeless as can be.”

That’s when God wants to hear you sing.

He loves to hear our praise on our cheerful days

When the pleasant times outweigh the bad, by far

But when suffering comes along

And we still sing Him songs

That is when we bless the Father’s heart.

When we praise God in the bad times it means much more than when things are going right.  So when people do not deal with us kindly we can take Paul and Silas as an example and praise God anyway.

This is my prayer:

Psalm 19:14  Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer. 

This card expressed it well.

God's grace is sufficient for all we need.

Have a victorious week in the Lord.