Saying the right thing is always nerve-racking. I say things wrong all the time. Getting my twongue tosted all the time. Not only that sometimes I say things I shouldn’t. There are also times that I have said things that I should but my tone of voice might be abrasive to the hearer. I love to talk to people to plan and collaborate plans for working in the Kingdom of God. I am comfortable in conversations both private and public. I admittedly have the gift of gab, knowing the positive and negative connotations that come with that phrase and that talent.
Most people have a fear of public speaking or are a least nervous about it. Some people have anxiety about speaking to anyone at all. I think we are afraid of not saying the right thing. Let me give you a word of encouragement from the wisdom found in the scriptures.
Solomon said, “a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a network of silver” (Prov. 25:11). This simply stated proverb tells us of the beauty of a word spoken appropriately at the right time. Maybe, these pithy words could be a perfect reminder to Christians today that our own words should be carefully chosen for the moment with which we find ourselves. When you choose words to write or to say. Think about how they will impact those that read or hear them. Think about what message you want to get across.
Be careful to say the right thing and avoid the wrong thing. Don’t sound condescending, passive-aggressive or downright mean. Always, give others the benefit of the doubt.
James 1:19 – “You know this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;”
On the flip side, isn’t it neat, that out of all the creatures that God has created, we are the only ones that have the ability to craft words, both spoken and written, to communicate a message? Isn’t it neat that God has chosen words to communicate to us and for us to communicate to others the great message about His Son, Jesus?
Choose your words carefully. and intentionally. Don’t be afraid of the God-given ability to use words to make a difference in others’ lives. Live each day and each moment with the desire to communicate, love, compassion, discipline, rebuke, patience, understanding, and comfort.
Don’t be afraid to say the right thing!
I love you,
Alex