The Forty-Day Word FastSample

It is sobering to think our speech and example may be the only frame of reference another person has for how a Christian speaks and acts. Careless words or actions on our part may bring about in them a lasting prejudice against the gospel of Christ.

So consider: What are the first words that come out of your mouth when the waiter at a restaurant spills some of the soup on your lap? What about when you splurge and order that rib-eye filet and take the first bite, only to discover it’s bloody instead of well-done? Are your words seasoned with grace?

As followers of Christ we do not have the freedom to say anything we want, to blurt out whatever is on our mind. We have all heard the excuse, “Well, you know me. I just speak my mind.” The Lord has different plans for us. He wants our words to be seasoned with salt. And the salt is grace.

The intention isn’t that we constantly talk about the grace of our Lord with people we meet. He wants us to use wisdom in what we say and yet give testimony to His saving grace when the opportunity arises. Instead of negative words, sarcasm, or words that bring people down, our speech can be seasoned with the Lord’s grace. God’s grace operating in our lives enables us to know how to respond to every person we meet with words of encouragement and life. It is possible.

Almost every one of us know a gracious person; they are gentle, humble, and not overbearing. We are drawn to them. We can become just as attractive to others if we commit this day to speak words of love, charity, encouragement, and kindness.

Ask yourself, “Did I use words that weren’t seasoned with grace today? If so, when?” If any words come out of your mouth today that you need to repent of, do so. Ask the Holy Spirit to touch your heart and keep those words out of your mouth tomorrow.