Colossians 4:6: “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone” (NIV).
My words have gotten me into trouble more than once. Have yours? Do your words ever come out in a way that they are misunderstood by others? Do you sometimes need to reevaluate not only what you said but how you said it?
Grace-filled words are pleasant, kind, and helpful. Proverbs 12:25 says kind words cheer people up. We may never know the heavy burdens others carry. Sharing a simple hello and a smile can bring joy to someone’s heart when they feel down.
Grace-filled words also bring healing and overflow with compassion and gentleness. Proverbs 15:1 says a gentle answer turns away anger. Sometimes people are ready for a fight—to argue with any willing subject. Our gentle response will either soften them toward us or send them off to find someone else to pick a fight with.
Gracious words are spoken to bring encouragement to the hearer. Our encouragement brings reassurance and hope to others. Their troubled souls find comfort and peace.
Our words have the power to impact people’s lives for Christ. The opposite is also true. Ephesians 4:29: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV).
I desire my words to be full of grace and build others up. To bless and not tear down. To offer hope and encouragement. I long to be a woman who shares pleasing and useful words—full of mercy—to bring healing and restoration to those in need. To point people to the Lord, to convey His love, and to grow friendships. I want to be a gracious woman whose words honor the Lord.
Psalm 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to you, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer” (NLT).