GRACIOUS WORDS

Behold, you are fair, my love! Behold, you are fair! You have dove’s eyes. Song of Solomon 1:15

REFERENCE
Song of Solomon 1:15-2:4

Jewish Rabbis say the whole world was never as privileged as the day that the Song of Songs was given to Israel. They considered it to be the holiest of the holy. The first thing you notice in the Song of Solomon is the beautiful and gracious words the lovers used to describe each other and the love they shared. Although these words were used between a man and a woman, imagine how rich our relationships would be if we applied same principle of speaking gracious words that soothe, heal, and edify to each other.

As humans, we are social beings connected by our relationships; and nothing builds understanding in a relationship more than kind and loving words, regardless of the kind of relationship – marital, professional, friendship, or family. Therefore, to have and maintain a healthy working relationship with others, we must mind what we say to them. Many have used their words to build their homes, businesses, families, etc., while others have used their words to ruin theirs. The wise king said, “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows” Proverbs 18:6 and “There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise promotes health” Proverbs 12:18.

Your words can communicate disregard, hate, abuse, irritation, displeasure or dislike to others. On the other hand, they can communicate love, blessing, compliments, respect, affection, dignity and trust. We can tell how much you respect, adore and value others by the way you speak to or about them. Paul said, “Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what will edify and impart grace.” (Ephesians 4:6).

Below are some ways you can season your words with grace:

–          Be kind: Avoid using words that will worsen a matter; rather, use words that are calming and healing. Words are like eggs, once they drop, they break. Harsh words wound and the wound may heal, but they sometimes leave scars. Proverbs 15:4.

–          Be respectful and considerate: How would you want to be spoken to? Don’t raise your voice or let your tone be harsh and say that’s just how you are. It doesn’t sound respectful. Always ask yourself, “How would I want to be spoken to?” Proverbs 12:18.

–          Be tenderhearted: The mouth ultimately receives its instructions from the heart. Proverbs 16:23 says, “The heart of the wise teaches his mouth, and adds learning to his lips.” So, to be gracious in your words, be tenderhearted; easily entreated and hard to offend.

More importantly, learn from God, He knows every fault of yours, yet calls you the apple of His eyes. Be gracious with your words to others in like manner.

SCRIPTURE PHOTO

ADDITIONAL STUDY
I Peter 3:8-10 and Proverbs 18:20-22

PRAYER
I pray and receive grace to be kind, respectful and tenderhearted in my choice of words to others. No corrupt word will proceed out of my mouth, but what will edify and impart grace to the hearers in Jesus’ name.