Let me state the obvious. All of us, whatever our calling in life, use words to get things done.
Business owners, factory workers, farmers, waitresses, stay-at-home parents, politicians, teachers, and writers all use words, both written and spoken, in order to do their respective jobs.
The Bible is full of commandments and observations about how we use words. Since this topic is highly relevant for Christians who want to work in such a way that they abide in God’s presence and work for His glory, let me address this from a biblical perspective. I think all of us can use some reminders of how we can use carefully chosen words to convey respect, caring, and truth.
Words convey respect
The first thing that comes to mind when I think about the power words have to build up or destroy is respect.
I have learned the value of treating everyone with dignity and respect. I address people as I was taught by my parents and trained in the Army, using “Sir,” or “Ma’am,” and saying “please” and “thank you.” Also, the words that come out of my mouth after my boss gives me constructive criticism or adds just one more project to my already full plate can either show submission to authority, which is the biblical model, or they can undermine the authority God placed me under.
Let’s look at what the Bible says about how our words can express respect to others:
- Hasty words hurt deeply, but wise words heal greatly (Prov. 12:18)
- Sometimes fewer words have more meaning; don’t talk too much (Eccl. 6:11)
- Stick to clean speech that builds people up and meets needs (Eph. 4:29)
- Use words to give people more than they deserve, showing God’s grace (Col. 4:6)
- Life is better when we refrain from using evil and deceitful speech (1 Peter 3:10)
Respectful words to our boss, coworkers, and customers convey humility, which is one of the main attributes of Jesus. He illustrated it by coming to earth as a fetus, temporarily setting aside access to several of His divine qualities (omnipresence, for example) to be fully human. He also illustrated it by washing the disciples’ feet on the day before He laid down His life for all of us. When we approach everyone with a humble, servant attitude, it builds positive relationships.
Words convey caring
Whatever job we hold is an opportunity for God to express His love through us to our neighbors. (I encourage you to read one of my articles on this subject.) Like the Good Samaritan, when we sacrificially meet the wide spectrum of human needs (mental, physical, social, psychological, or spiritual) of those around us who suffer, we provide a conduit for God’s love to flow through us. When we take the time to offer someone a genuine word of encouragement, it meets these needs.
As a junior/senior high school math teacher (a very long time ago), I had to work hard to reduce the stress that is often associated with learning math. Some were never going to be good at it. Others would hate it or fear it for their entire lives. I had to figure out ways to make it fun, as easy to understand as possible, and be able to encourage those who still didn’t quite get it. I told a lot of puns (now known as dad jokes) in my classroom instruction to lighten things up a bit.
As a parent, you carefully use words, modifying them as appropriate throughout your children’s various stages of development. When you consider that the things you say will stay with them their entire lives, you want to ensure words of compassion far overshadow words of correction.
Use words to convey truth
All Christians know that how we use words and what we say can either point people to God or away from God.
In John 6:68, Jesus asked the disciples if they wanted to leave, which many other followers who could not accept His teaching had done. Peter replied, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Jesus’s words would last forever. I think Peter already knew that Jesus was the truth and that by knowing Jesus, he would be set free. (See John 14:6 and 8:32.)
So, how can we, as followers of Jesus, speak words of lasting value to a lost and dying world? How can our speech be given in such a way that it points others to the One who can set them free?
- Pray that your words would be acceptable in God’s sight (Ps. 19:14)
- Speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15)
- Turn away from using worldly words with no meaning (1 Tim. 6:20)
- Avoid foolish and stupid debates (2 Tim. 2:23)
- Gently teach others to bring them to a knowledge of the truth (2 Tim 2:24)
Closing thoughts
I want to emphasize that our words are the most powerful tools we have. They tell people who we are and who we follow. As we work hard in the power of the Holy Spirit to use our tongues to convey respect, caring, and biblical truth to our bosses, coworkers, employees, and customers, we demonstrate that we have been radically transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The only way I know how to keep my words along these lines is to regularly read God’s Word. When we meditate on His eternal truth, what is supernatural becomes natural. It changes us. And when we become more Christlike, God can use us to reach others who need His love and grace.
This is an updated edition of a post originally published on Russ Gehrlein
Featured Image by StartupStockPhotos from Pixabay
