Ask anyone to give you several adjectives about a ballerina and most
likely the word “graceful,” will come up. After all, the smooth,
refined, and artistic movements she displays in every performance
spells out controlled strength and beauty in every step.
Controlled strength is also what each of us, present-day believers are
called into when it comes to speaking our minds. In this age when we
can offend a multitude with just one post, we are called to be extra
careful with everything our mouth says and hands type.
“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
The Epistle of James is filled with lectures about controlling our
natural desire to say what is on our mind. There the apostle explains
that we are to endeavor to control our tongue to keep us from hurting
others, and to display genuine goodness in our lives.
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear,
slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce
the righteousness of God.” James 1:19-20
Nowadays, graceful speech may not be so common anymore. People call
attention to themselves by broadcasting hurtful truths about other
people. It is commonplace to use gossip as a way to make friends.
Shouting out truths at the expense of straining family relations is
normal just to court other people’s sympathy.
People babble about every controversy under the sun to remain
relevant. Some even take this to another level by eking out a living
out of ungraceful speech — just look at the hordes of social media
accounts and channels that center around controversy about public
figures.
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People
will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money,boastful, proud,
abusive,disobedient to their parents,ungrateful, unholy, without love,
unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of
the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than
lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have
nothing to do with such people.” 2 Timothy 3:1-5
But just like a ballerina in training, we are called to be graceful.
Graceful in words and in actions. We are called to control our temper,
use our speech only as a way to encourage others, and curb our desire
to speak our mind harshly whenever we are offended.
“Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the
lap of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9
As followers of Jesus, we must exercise self-control, to avoid hurting
other people with our words. By being gracious in speaking we also
help ourselves reflect Christ’s love for others — His merciful,
patient, and humble love that He hopes we will imitate.
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you
may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to
ponder on James 3:2-12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: What are the challenges you face to remain
consistent in being gracious when it comes to your speech? How can
your walk with Jesus change the way you speak to and about others?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, help me follow your
example when it comes to speaking to and about other people. That I
only say what is true, what is needed, and what is encouraging. Amen.
