Session 20

One way to know if you’re walking in wisdom

From Letters of Paul: 30-Day Bible Study

It doesn’t take long to learn that how we speak to and about others matters. At some point, we’ve all reaped the consequences of snapping at someone or taking jokes a little too far.

We often don’t realize the power in our words until they tumble out and hurt those we love. The Bible teaches us that words can bring peace or bring drama, build others up or tear them down.

While reality TV turns verbal sparring into a national pastime and Twitter rewards quick wit, Paul tells us to be mindful of our influence as Jesus followers. “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (Colossians 4:6).

Before responding with a sarcastic quip or revealing private information to “gain more prayer support,” Paul encourages us to pause and ask God how He would have us respond. Someone is always listening, be it the little ears of our children or the hidden ears of bystanders. What we say will speak volumes about where our trust comes from.

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God” (Psalm 20:7). Trusting God means turning to Him first when trouble comes — not the neighbor who will rile us up and encourage us to hold a grudge. It means seeking His instruction on how to handle an awkward conversation, not the peanut gallery in the break room.

One way to season our words with grace is to make God our bae. Talk to Him before anyone else. Heed His wisdom and make Him your banner. No matter how others respond, when our words are from God, we can know that He’ll bring us through it all.

Reflect:

• When is the last time you said something you regret? What did you learn from that situation?
  
• Is there a difficult conversation you’ve been putting off? Ask God today what He would have you say. Ask Him to help you see the other person as He sees them.