DEVOTION, NOV. 12, Speak graciously

Colossians 4:6: Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

This is a tall order. When we open our mouth to speak, gracious words should flow out. This is always the case. If someone speaks to us in a hostile manner, we are to respond with gracious speech.  If someone speaks to us in a hateful manner, we are to reply graciously. If someone insults us, we are to speak to them with grace. Seasoned with salt suggests that we add positive flavor to our speech. Never add chili powder to your speech! Paul uses the word “always.” It is never appropriate for Christians to speak with anger or hostility.

Do others ever speak to us with anger or hostility? Indeed they do! Should we respond in kind? Absolutely not! I am confident I need to work on this principle. What about you?

Gracious God, I confess that I have some work to do. When people speak to me with anger, I am not always gracious in my response. Help me to remember that when I respond to anger with anger, I do not help the situation. Help me to be an instrument of Your grace whenever I open my mouth to speak. I ask this favor in Jesus’ name. Amen.