Words For Every Occasion

By: Lisa Boisvert

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6 (ESV)

Our words have more power than we realize. This is why our Bibles give us clear instructions on how to use our words. Careless words can deeply wound someone, even when it's unintentional. On the other hand, gracious words bring joy, hope, and healing. The words we say (or write) should always be encouraging to the receiver. If we ever find ourselves using our words to bend someone's will or belittle them, it's time for some self-examination. The best way to make sure we aren't misusing our words is to pray before speaking. But praying before every word we speak isn't always practical or possible. Pausing to pray can be especially hard when we're annoyed, upset, or already angry.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Christ-follower, will your words benefit the listener? If the answer is yes, attempt to determine how they'll be received. If it's a sensitive topic, or you're addressing inappropriate behavior, pray before you speak. Ask God to season your words with His grace so the listener will receive them. If your words won't benefit the listener, keep them to yourself! Alienating people with our words is of no benefit to anyone, including ourselves.

Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. Ephesians 4:15 (NLT)

God made each of us unique. We are unique in our looks, our personalities, and our circumstances. Therefore, the words we speak must be individualized for each person. For example, if we know someone is sensitive or vulnerable, we must deliver our words accordingly. But some of our friends are blunt and direct, and they expect us to be blunt and direct when we speak to them. But in both cases, no matter the hearer's uniqueness, whatever we say should be sifted through scripture. Jesus' words were always perfect. We're not perfect, but we are His followers. Therefore, let's deliver our messages in ways that allow the hearer to feel the love of Christ. Let's also determine to use our words to bring joy, healing, and edification to others.

It won't always be easy, but we can ask the Holy Spirit for help. He will give us the right words for every occasion!