Abundant Family Living: 11/06/23

Monday, November 6, 2023

Let Your Conversations Be Always Full of Grace

Let your conversations be always full of grace. Colossians 4:6

Grace is a word we often hear, especially in religious and spiritual contexts. It is a concept that is deeply embedded in our social and ethical fabric. We often hear phrases like "say grace," "fall from grace," or "be gracious." But what does it truly mean to be full of grace, especially when it comes to our conversations?

In the simplest terms, grace means undeserved favor. Grace is receiving kindness without deserving it. In spiritual terms, it what God showed us when He sent his only Son to die for our sins in our place. god shows us grace when we don't deserve it. It's a beautiful concept that when applied to our daily lives, can make a significant difference. So, how can we let our conversations be always full of grace? Let's delve into this based on the teachings of Col. 4:6.

What does Colossians 4:6 tell us?

Colossians 4:6 is a verse from the Bible that reads,

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

It's a profound statement that urges us to be kind, considerate, and respectful in our conversations.

But why is our speech compared to salt? In ancient times, salt was a valuable commodity. It was used not just for flavoring food but also for preserving it. Similarly, our words have the power to bring flavor to our interactions, preserve relationships, and prevent decay in the form of misunderstanding, hostility, or conflict.

When our conversations are always full of grace, we will always answer the questions and also criticisms from others in ways that point them to Jesus instead of bringing attention to ourselves.

Let your conversations be always full of grace. Colossians 4:6

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How To Make Our Conversations Full of Grace

Letting our conversations be always full of grace is certainly easier said than done. It requires conscious effort, patience, and practice. Here are some ways to do it:

Listen Actively:
Active listening is a key aspect of gracious conversation. It involves not just hearing the words but understanding their context and the speaker's emotions.

Speak with Kindness:
Kind words can turn a difficult conversation around. Even when disagreeing, it is possible to express your views with respect and consideration.

Avoid Gossip:
Gossiping about others is a habit that adds no value to your conversations. It is better to talk about ideas than to talk about people.

Be Honest:
Honesty is another important element of gracious conversation. Always speak truth to others.

Susan Heck, an ACBC certified counselor and speaker shares more about how to speak the truth in love here at the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors website.

The Impact of Gracious Conversations

When our conversations are full of grace, they have a positive impact not just on us but also on the people we interact with. They can diffuse tension, foster understanding, and build stronger relationships. They can also uplift others, make them feel valued, and spread positivity.

So, let's make a conscious effort to let our conversations be always full of grace, as per the teachings of Colossians 4:6. Let's use our words to build, not break; to heal, not hurt; to love, not hate, and to speak truth, never lies. Because at the end of the day, it's not just what we say but how we say it that truly matters.