Daily Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:10 KJV
1 Peter 3:10 KJV
(10) For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:
Today’s Devotional Is THE GRACE OF CHRISTIAN SPEECH
The Apostle’s words to Colossians are the ideal of Christian speech. Grace stands for mercyfulness, charity and the willingness to place the best constructions on the words and actions others. It can be a great help when dealing with jealousy, envy, or any other unkind feeling. It is tempting to be jealous of someone else and say negative or unkind things. But if we are able to live in the power and guidance of the Holy Spirit, such words will be replaced by ones that show kindness and consideration for ourselves and others. Be positive and say only the good things. It’s amazing how our inner temper changes when we try to be kind and compassionate for those we feel frustrated.
Salt should be present in our speech – it should be pure, antiseptic and sparkling, like the Book of Proverbs. A light-hearted wit and a lively repartee are compatible with the Apostle’s standard. However, when we have conversations with others, they should be aware that there is something in us that makes it difficult for them to engage in unsavory gossip or make crude jokes.
Continue to pray that God will open doors for us to speak of the glory and hidden beauty of His Son. Sometimes, even when it is difficult to answer difficult questions, the Holy Spirit gives us the ability to speak.
Our Lord did not speak a word to Pilate and Herod during His trial. However, when He got to the Cross, He offered His heart as an Intercessor for them, saying: “Father forgive them; they don’t know what they do!” Talk more to God than to men who might be threatening or reviling you. It is wonderful to know that God is able guard our lips. There is probably no part of us that is more dependent on His protection.
PRAYER for Today
By Thy Holy Spirit, live in us, Blessed Lord, so that our lives can be gospels of help and blessings. All covetousness, bitterness and wrath and all foolish talk be put to rest. AMEN.