4 Kinds of Words the Christian Should Use
What we should say is just as important as what we should not say.
Christians must use their words correctly.
There are kinds of words a Christian should not use. But, there are also ways we should use our words.
Here are four ways Christians should use their words.
Truth
Therefore, putting away lying, "LET EACH ONE OF YOU SPEAK TRUTH WITH HIS NEIGHBOR," for we are members of one another. (Ephesians 4:25)
Being “members of one another” communicates the idea of a musical part. Everyone must “play their part” for it to sound pleasant.
If we’re lying to each other, it’s like playing out of tune with each other. Lying words are not consistent with a Christian’s character.
Speaking the truth is how we are united together. Speaking lies attacks the unity that Jesus prayed for and died for (John 17:20-23).
Encouragement
Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. (Ephesians 4:29)
Instead of speaking corrupt, rotten words, we must speak words that help build others up. We must speak words that encourage the discouraged.
Our words can build someone up or tear someone down. When Christians speak, they ought to think about what the other person needs to hear - not just what we might want to say.
Thankfulness
And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. (Colossians 3:15-17)
Instead of saying filthy, foolish, sinful things – our words should be used to offer thanks.
God teaches us something rather interesting here. Someone who is not concerned about their words is someone who is not thankful. A Christian who speaks whatever words they want without thinking about how they affect others is a Christian who is unthankful.
Being a Christian and being thankful go hand in hand.
Graciousness
Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:6)
Our speech must always be gracious and tasteful. Not sometimes. Not unless someone says something about politics that we disagree with. Always.
Why?
So that we may know how we ought to answer every person. This kind of speech demonstrates wisdom. We will be prepared to answer and speak with others if we are careful with our words.
If we are trying to convert someone to Christ, and we are not gracious in our speech - we may drive them away before we have a chance to learn how to convert them.
Being kind and gracious buys us time to learn how to answer others.
Sometimes Jesus’ words offended people – even though He always used His words the right way (Matthew 15:1-20). Sometimes the truth will offend people - especially those whose hearts are hard.
With that being said, let us be careful that we use our words correctly - by speaking the truth, by being encouraging, by being thankful, and by being gracious.
Our words communicate what is in our hearts, our minds – what do your words say about what is in your mind?