How to speak fluent Christian
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%). See full results here - How to use Christian speech.
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
Table 2: How should I speak to the needs of others as the Bible commands in Ephesians 4:29?
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.
• 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.
• 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.
William C. Stewart, MD
For questions or to view more of our research…
Email - info@teleiosresearch.com
Website - http://teleiosresearch.com/
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Disclaimer - This blog and its content are provided only as information and are intended for visitors 18 and older. No content on the website should be taken as advice or recommendation to any personal or institutional situation. The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily either shared or endorsed by Teleios. Both the blog and the contents are subject to change at any time without notice. Although I endeavor to ensure that the blog and the content are current and accurate, it may contain errors. I do not represent that the blog or the content is current, accurate or complete, or appropriate for your specific requirements. I do not accept any liability from any person for the blog, the content or any other information (or the use of such information) I provide. I do not have a seminary degree, but I have trained myself in the scriptures to teach and provide this information. For any specific question, I suggest you contact experts in that field and or do your own research into the scriptures.
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