“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.”
Colossians 4:5-6
Scripture frequently addresses how we are to use the powerful gift of words. Think about this: The tongue and the heart are connected. Not literally, of course! But too often we speak our mind and don’t realize we are displaying the ugliness of our hearts for those around us to see. Jesus said that what is in the heart will come out of our mouths (see Matthew 15:18).
Am I harboring resentment and unwillingness to forgive? Is my speech full of criticism or complaints? Do I express my beliefs in a gentle and gracious manner, or do I speak harshly? What do others walk away with from an encounter with me? Is it an image of warmth and kindness or an image of coldness and criticism?
Truth and love must walk together. David wrote in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Change begins in the heart and works its way out. Pray along with David, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
Am I harboring resentment and unwillingness to forgive? Is my speech full of criticism or complaints? Do I express my beliefs in a gentle and gracious manner, or do I speak harshly? What do others walk away with from an encounter with me? Is it an image of warmth and kindness or an image of coldness and criticism?
Truth and love must walk together. David wrote in Psalm 51:10: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Change begins in the heart and works its way out. Pray along with David, “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).
Scripture Focus
James 1:19-26
Insight
“Love without truth is sentimentality…. Truth without love is harshness…. God’s saving love in Christ, however, is marked by both [love and truth].” (Timothy Keller, 2011)
Bible In A Year
- Judges 10-11
- Psalm 114
- 1 Corinthians 5-6
