Letting Our Conversation Be With Grace

There seems to be a lot of anger and turmoil in our world today.  It seems to be every where we look.  It has spread into our governments, into our work places, our schools, our churches and in every corner of society.  People get angry over many things.  Some things are relatively small and other things are bigger issues.

We all get angry once in a while.  We get angry over injustice.  We get angry when we see a parent in the grocery store yell at her child for wanting, of all things, a lemon.  Sometimes we keep our anger within our selves and sometimes it spills out in our actions or our words.  When we are angry our demeanor changes from peaceful to an almost war like mentality.

There are legitimate things to get angry about in our world, but our anger always comes at a cost.  We pay with our reputation or even our witness for Jesus Christ.  Sometimes we may be over tired and frustrated with the people we work with or people whom we love.  There are times when hurtful words flow all to easily from our lips and we just can't seem to reel them back in as hard as we try.  We try to apologize, sometimes, but the damage has already been done once the words have been said.

Our words are powerful especially as a follower of Jesus Christ.  Our words can build people up and encourage, but our words can tear people down and destroy them as well.  Whether we are posting something on social media or speaking with someone in person we should always be graceful with our words and use our words wisely in such a way as to honor the Lord.

Colossians 4:6

Let your conversation be always full of grace,
seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how to answer everyone.

We need to ask the Lord in prayer to help us guard our lips and guide us into what to say to people to draw them to Him.  We need to stand up for what is right and true, but we must do it with gentleness and love.  Sometimes this is easier said than done.  We need the Holy Spirit to guide us and give us the words to say in those times when we want to lash out at certain people in our lives.  

We should also be willing to show grace and mercy to others as we have been shown great mercy from Jesus Christ our Lord.  May we guard our lips and think before we speak and honor the Lord by proclaiming the truth of His Word.

Lord,

Sometimes it is easy to lash out and be angry.

Forgive us for those times when we do get angry.

Help us to use our words to honor You and to direct others to You.

Lead us and guide us by Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus Name we pray,

Amen.