During my college days, we were required to take up a foreign language course for two semesters. It was of course hard to learn, unless you are totally interested in learning the language.
As followers of Jesus, we also have to learn a new language. The language of Christ that calls us to speak not a literally new dialect, but to speak to others with the love, gentleness, and mercy of Jesus.
“If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless.” James 1:26
Like an entirely different language, speaking with the love of Jesus can be quite challenging, especially if we are accustomed to the world’s ways. Cussing for instance is so prevalent in shows, social media content, and online videos that it has been part of daily conversations of most people. Moreover, bad words have just become expressions, that it even peppers the lingo of teenagers.
But as Christians we are being called to forget about our old ways, and abide by Christ. And yes, this includes how we speak to others, especially to our loved ones, and even to ourselves.
“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” Ephesians 4:22-24
Graciousness in speech does not only mean not saying bad words. It also means choosing to not hurt other people’s feelings with words. These include unwholesome language, hurtful words, truth in anger and sarcasm.
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29
Moreover, the new language we have to get accustomed to as Christians also does not include hurtful talk that could tarnish the reputation of other people. Gossiping and slander, while a pastime for most is a no-no for believers.
Even if something is true, if it will hurt the other person’s feelings or reputation, then such piece of information should no longer be passed on to others. This is especially true if that person is repenting already about his past, and is trying his best to live a new life in Christ. Keeping mum about supposed juicy bits of gossip is part of caring for other people and loving them.
“Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.” James 4:11
More importantly, our new language should be all about the truth. The things that come out from our mouths should not include lies. Besides it is part of the Ten Commandments — we should not bear false witness against our neighbors.
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44
While it may seem easy to speak gentle words on an ordinary day and to people we aim to please, it may be extra difficult to remain that way when we are tired, in trouble, or stressed out. The way to remain gentle is to train oneself to speak gentle words each day, and tap on Jesus’ strength so that we can remain humble in both action and in speech.
If we remain committed to following His ways, He will empower us. And even if we fail at times, we just carry on, pray for His help to become a better person, and then face a new day.
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on James 3:1-12 and Ephesians 4:17-25 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you having a difficult time being consistently gentle in speech?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for empowering us to become better people, in both speech and action. We may not be perfect all the time, but thank you for giving us the strength to resist the urge of saying the truth in anger when we are stressed out. Please help us remain strong against these challenges, and may we continue to be gentle in speech, and not willingly tarnish other people’s reputation, and hurt their feelings. Amen.
“Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” Proverbs 16:24
