During a press conference in New York City for Clint Eastwood’s new movie Hereafter, the journalists were clearly smitten with him. When a Brazilian journalist apologized for his poor command of English and a “silly question,” Eastwood sat forward in his chair and told the writer, “No question is silly.”
After the event, a journalist reported, “One gets the feeling that [Eastwood] is always respectful of what other people think and feel.”
How about us? What do people think of the way we behave? In the apostle Paul’s epistle to the church in Colosse, he reminded the believers that Jesus lived in them (Colossians 1:27). This reality called for a change in the way they lived.
And so, in chapters 3 and 4, he taught them to live out their new life in Jesus. One of his instructions was that they speak appropriately to others. We read: “Let your conversation be gracious and attractive” (Colossians 4:6).
Gracious words are words that are wholesome, fitting, kind, loving, thoughtful, and sensitive. They are words that aren’t bitter, abrasive, caustic, boastful, or vindictive.
May our speech always reflect grace—in stressful situations, when we’ve been wronged, when we disagree with our spouse or child, and in casual conversation with our neighbor. Whatever the situation, may our speech be gracious.
Additionally, may our words be “attractive” or—in another version—“seasoned with salt.” Our aim shouldn’t be to flatter others but, like salt, to speak truth in love in order to bring healing and prevent corruption.
We should make sure our conversations are flavored with attractive ideas so that listeners are stimulated—their curiosity aroused.
Does your speech reflect Jesus, who is living within you?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 18:1-15
More:
Luke 4:22 says that gracious words come from Jesus’ lips. Consider how this is shown in the way Jesus dealt with the Samaritan woman (John 4) and the woman caught in adultery (8:3-11).
Next:
Under what situations and towards whom are you most tempted to speak ungracious and unattractive words? What will you do differently today, acknowledging that Jesus is within you?
roxanne robbins on January 10, 2012 at 2:54 am
It never ceases to amaze me how a gracious response soothes anger and, when needed, leads to reconciliation. Kindness really is a powerful virtue.
tim gustafson on January 10, 2012 at 7:54 am
I can easily think of many times when I did not respond graciously, and also times when I did. And the difference is huge! Everything changes based on that gracious (or NOT gracious) response.
Thanks for this reminder, Poh Fang.
donnaspins on January 10, 2012 at 10:57 am
A relative of ours posted on facebook how she had a table of people who were rude and obnoxious and then she was appaled that they bowed their heads to pray when their food came!! Lord, help me to have speech that reflects your love.