Speaking Your Mind – At What Cost?
Several years ago, Brianna, a Facebook friend, reminded us that when we become wiser with our words, life becomes better. Sometimes, the wisest words are the ones we choose not to say.
Are you known for speaking your mind? If done well, the ability to express your opinion with courage – and respect – can bring about positive change in your community, your culture and even your home.
But what happens when our words create disharmony instead of harmony?
Every day, I’m aware that two conflicting natures war within me. One pulls me away from God, toward selfishness, impatience and pride. The other draws me toward Him—to love, humility and obedience.
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.
Christians are called to be salt. But if we’re not careful, our anger can drown out our message.
How many times have our words created tension in our relationships? How often have we been so focused on making our point that we failed to notice the hurt we left behind – the chill in the room or the way our words landed like a sledgehammer?
Sometimes the fallout is so painful that others don’t want to be around us. Sometimes we don’t even want to be around ourselves. In the process, we may damage our witness in ways that can’t be restored.
And the damage doesn’t stop there. Gossip, careless criticism and spreading rumors can effectively damage others’ reputations. How we manage our communications can open or close doors in our ministry and job opportunities.
Isn’t it true that the often-delayed consequences of our actions can postpone our repentance? What if each time we gave in to our sinful nature, we experienced an immediate consequence (like an instant breakup or shame at being exposed)? I suspect we’d repent much sooner and save ourselves and others a lot of pain.
On the other hand, imagine if we truly submitted our words to the Holy Spirit. Consider what it would be like to express ourselves out of a deep awareness of who we are in Christ instead of being driven by raw emotion.
How can we live out Colossians 4:6? Maybe the best way is to pray before we speak.
Our identity as a follower of Christ should show up in every conversation we have. This doesn’t mean we’ll never sin, but our attitude toward sinful speech should change. We’d no longer excuse it or accept it as being okay.
Instead, we’ll aim to speak words that are gracious and seasoned with salt, aligning with God’s heart and purposes.
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
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Sheryl,
Your choice of topics are always helpful and important to your readers. Keep up the excellent writing.
Hello, Uncle Ron! How I love hearing from you and your wonderful family!!
I hope you all are well.
And thank you for your kind words. Please stop by again. And say hello to Aunt Sharon and Stephanie–and everyone!
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)
Our president should read this post.
Hi, Arthur. I gather you are praying for our president with your concerns. As am I.
While I’m thankful for all the good he is doing for our nation, I continue to pray that he be sensitive to the Holy Spirit.
Thank you for reading my post, Arthur. It means a lot.
I hope we all let God use the heart of this message in our lives.
I’ve learnt the hard way to sometimes keep my thoughts to myself.
It actually happened twice with two of my dear fb friends. In the end, both were so forgiving and our friendship has been restored.
One, I’m sorry to say, is not as close as before.
Never again.
Hi, Sandra. I’m sorry about losing that friendship. I believe most of us can relate. It always hurts.
Let’s remember to keep praying for these people and ask God to show us how we can love each other better.
I am also more aware than ever that …
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12 ESV)
THANK you for stopping by, Sandra. I love hearing from you.
At times I’ve been known to complain a bit, and I know I should be thankful for my blessings and dwell on the goodness of God, instead of what’s wrong with the world and the people in it! Really, I can be the biggest offender, myself, if I’m not careful. Hopefully, God is working on me to listen better and to be prayerful and gracious before speaking. I don’t jump into a conversation as much as a I used to either or become angry as easily, which is definitely a God improvement! “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29. “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1. “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24. Thanks Sheryl!
Hi, Kim. I can almost see the heads nodding. Many of us relate to your comment.
Hopefully, most of us can also rejoice in the “God improvements” we see in our own lives.
Thank you so much for stopping by again, Kim. I always love hearing from you.