How we speak to
each other is critical in living a godly life. Yet controlling our speech is
quite difficult and rarely discussed.
Teleios Research
recently evaluated adolescents and millennials regarding their speech. The
survey was promoted on the Christian Instagram accounts, InstaPray and
GodsHolyScriptures. Of the 215 participants the majority were: female (52%),
<30 years old (93%), from the United States (83%), and evangelical (68%).
The top 3
responses nicely show a strong minority, at least on a list provided by a
survey, are cognizant of the need to help others with speech and to discuss our
great God with others.
Table 1: What is the primary purpose
of biblical speech for Christians
|
Answer Choices
|
Responses
|
|
Fellowship
|
46%
|
|
Meet
the needs of other people
|
25%
|
|
I am
not sure
|
22%
|
Table 2: How
should I speak to the needs of others as the Bible commands in Ephesians 4:29?
|
Answer Choices
|
Responses
|
|
Take a few minutes and consider what would
best help or encourage the other person
|
49%
|
|
Encourage or teach others scripture
according to their need
|
45%
|
|
Say I will pray for the person
|
43%
|
Not bad responses!
From a biblical standpoint, how do we speak “Christian” with each
other? Like learning any language, it takes some discipline and training, but
it is doable.
Fortunately, with biblical input and thinking, we will find it
much easier to speak in a fashion that loves and encourages people as well as
pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. Here are
some hints how to speak effectively as a Christian:
· Consider first speech is not about you - Have you ever noticed that people generally talk about
themselves, even at church? However, unless we really need someone else to bear
our burdens (Galatians
6:2) speech should not be about us
but about the other person (Ephesians
4:29). Biblical speech should address
other people's needs. This is a huge transformation in thinking for many of us
but it's an important first step to converse with others as God desires.
·
Realize you have much to give
– Remember, the Bible is true and good for anyone who hears it (please see the
Teleios website
for scientific proof). Therefore, when you are speaking scripture and its
truth, commending, being thankful, and praising God, you are using your speech
as a powerful tool to help others.
· Think before you speak – Prior to meeting with somebody
consider specific ways you can express gratitude, commendation and
encouragement. Planning ahead may not seem natural but if we don’t consider
encouragement beforehand, generally it will not happen. Be specific in your commendation
and thankfulness; the more precise the better.
Spiritually, plan ways to encourage a friend or colleague in Christ, whether by discussing an applicable Bible verse, teaching other people (formally or informally), sharing answered prayed or even imparting the gospel if needed.
We are all busy, if we don’t consider positive biblical speech ahead of time, we generally won’t do it.
Spiritually, plan ways to encourage a friend or colleague in Christ, whether by discussing an applicable Bible verse, teaching other people (formally or informally), sharing answered prayed or even imparting the gospel if needed.
We are all busy, if we don’t consider positive biblical speech ahead of time, we generally won’t do it.
· Build a solid relationship - This is vital as people need to
know that you genuinely like and respect them. There are many books on the
subject and perhaps the best starter is the classic, How to Win Friends and Influence
People by Dale Carnegie.
You can buy a cheap used copy (or download a copy) at Amazon. It is frightfully
easy to read and apply. Get a copy and read it!
·
Ask
questions – If you do not
know how to encourage someone then ask them questions or search their on-line
presence!
People love to talk about themselves. The more questions you ask, and the deeper the follow-up questions, presented in an interested and genuine way, the more you will learn about your colleague, spouse, boss, friend or new acquaintance. They will think you are wonderful and the extra knowledge will help you better pray for them as well as help and encourage them.
People love to talk about themselves. The more questions you ask, and the deeper the follow-up questions, presented in an interested and genuine way, the more you will learn about your colleague, spouse, boss, friend or new acquaintance. They will think you are wonderful and the extra knowledge will help you better pray for them as well as help and encourage them.
· Build a solid spiritual relationship - This can be done by simply asking
them about benign religious topics, progressing through such questions as:
o
Ask general
questions about their life, family, or work. Follow up with more specific
questions based on what they initially tell you. Show interest! Listen!
o
Go deeper, ask “What
do you think about religious-based political issues such as Christian
persecution?” Or “Does religion or the church help our culture?”
o
Ask their opinion
about a challenging Bible verse, or a difficult doctrine like baptism or
predestination.
o
Ask questions to
help them based on everything that you have heard. Perhaps a question about the
security of their salvation followed by an applicable verse such as in Ephesians
1:13-14 or 1
Peter 1:4-5. Perhaps they mention they struggle in their
marriage and so you could take them to Ephesians
5:20-32.
·
Final step, biblical speech
– Use the information that you have gathered about a
person to consider how to help them with your speech.
o
How can you express specific
commendation or thankfulness for them in their character or actions?
o
How can you encourage them in
scripture?
o
How can you urge them to greater
Christian growth or actions?
Summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective,
loving body of Christ.
Thanks for joining me today. Meet me here again next time as we
discuss the truth and joy of God’s word and how it helps us live a fruitful and
godly life.
For
questions or to view more of our research…
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