Inspirational: The Right Words to Say

Daily Inspirational Encouragement

The Right Words to Say

By: Kristine Brown

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” - Colossians 4:6 NIV

“Do you have a minute to talk? I was hoping to get your advice about something...”

When a friend or family member begins our conversation with these words, I send out a desperate prayer. Lord, give me the right words to say! I’m thankful when my loved ones feel compelled to come to me. I also question what could happen when I open my mouth. I want my words to speak life with gentleness and truth, but sometimes what I mean to say comes out all wrong.

We know it’s important to seek God before engaging in deep conversation. Yet time and again we charge ahead with our words and end up saying something we wish we could take back. Because when we speak without the gracious words of God, we risk saying the wrong thing. If we allow ourselves to be led by the Spirit, we will know how to answer.

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 NIV

Paul instructed the Colossian church to pray for open doors to share Jesus’ message of hope with the world. He also wanted them to be mindful of how they acted toward unbelievers so that they could have opportunities to connect with them. “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity” (Colossians 4:5).

Paul knew every precious open door to share Christ’s love would begin with a connection. An opportunity for God-inspired words, whether spoken in a crowded room or between new friends. He also knew this ability to speak the right words would not come naturally. It could only happen through prayer, and the same truth still applies to our lives today.

Let’s take a minute to ask ourselves this question. Have my words been seasoned with salt lately? Am I relying on God to guide my speech, or am I having conversations in my own strength? We can renew our commitment to grace-filled words today, knowing what to say with gentleness and truth. Let’s pray together that God will give us the right words to say in every situation.