The Language of Grace
The words we choose matter. This is especially true at a time where more communication is taking place digitally and without the benefit of looking at or hearing the people we are having conversations with.
We live in times where the truth of God’s Word is more frequently seen as narrow-minded, bigoted, or even hateful. It can be difficult to have conversations about sinful behavior or beliefs when someone is not open to God’s love and His way being best for us. For some, they are even hoping to hear words of shame or condemnation so they can walk away thinking we are unloving and judgmental.
This means we each wield extraordinary power in the language we use to meet those seeking answers. It is easy to fall into the trap of speaking truth but doing it so bluntly and legalistically that it leaves someone discouraged and uninterested in our message. However, we can fill others with life, hope, and peace when we are intentional with our words and speak blessing and encouragement into their lives.
Our goal should always be to express truth and love in gentleness as Christ did. We see in Luke 4 that people marveled at the gracious words spoken by Jesus. We see in scripture that gracious speech has several qualities. It lacks harshness, grumbling and sarcasm. Gracious speech is filled with compassion and kindness. It is sensitive, thoughtful, and loving without compromising truth.
So many that come online are lost and without hope. We have an opportunity to speak life into their hopelessness. Focus on God’s love, forgiveness, and patience with us as broken sinners.
We should all follow Paul’s call. Make the most of your chances to tell others the Good News. Be wise in all your contacts with them. Let your conversation be gracious as well as sensible, for then you will have the right answer for everyone. Colossians 4:5-6 (TLB)
We encourage you to seek God’s help in doing this and finding just the right words of hope, wisdom, and truth in each conversation. Emphasize that God has a perfect design and better plan for how we live. We want to reveal His true nature of love and compassion and we can do this lovingly while at the same time not condoning sinful behavior, poor choices, or mistaken beliefs.
Every conversation is an opportunity to speak words of life. May you lean into God to help you share just the right words of forgiveness, grace, wisdom, and truth in each of your interactions.
