Communication is one of the most important actions we use in our lives on a daily basis. It doesn’t matter the time, location, person or situation, big things happen when people talk. Words that are spoken can be the difference between a misunderstanding corrected, or the beginning of a full-blown war. They can be what pushes someone to greatness or brings them to their final decision of personally giving up on a dream.
Because of the potential every conversation has to be amazing or completely destructive, learning how to communicate is of the utmost importance. The Bible is full of instruction for learning how to communicate. Allowing the Word to instruct us in this area can save many hurt feelings and unnecessary heartache.
For each conversation, let us consider the following verses:
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;” James 1:19 Pausing for a few moments instead of giving a hasty response when having a serious discussion can avoid many hurtful words being spoken.
“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 We never need to say everything we think. Some thoughts that run through our minds are better left unspoken. Choose uplifting words, even when it’s hard.
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 Not only is this particular verse worth committing to our memories, it is a verse that truly offers peace time and time again. Keeping a tone of voice that we would use when speaking to the most fragile of human beings, such as our elderly grandmothers, is just as effective and deserving for others. Never use words that purposely wound the soul of another. Gentleness spoken even during the most difficult conversations can soften the hardest of hearts. This point is reiterated in Proverbs 12:18: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
When we know the desires of our Lord, and His will for us to love each other and help our fellow man, our heart’s cry should be what is said in Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”
Friends, more than ever before, these scriptures can be a blessing to all who heed their instructions. The world is currently facing greater uncertainties than normal, additionally isolating some and filling others with fear. Our kind and carefully thought-out words are never wasted. Let us do our part to be the one who speaks kindly, regardless of how the others are speaking.
It is a fact and true statement that every person is dealing with problems and situations we know nothing about. Let us not assume a person with an angry disposition is just a difficult human being. Our kindness may be the very thing they gives them hope in a hopeless situation. We may be the friends that they can finally reach out to for help.
Words matter more than we could ever imagine. The Bible’s many references to what we say reaffirms that it is true. With the compassion and patience given by our Savior, may we all allow our speech to be uplifting and healing.
