Biblical Speech: Part 2

 

Welcome back to my blog. Today, we continue the discussion of biblically-based speech.

 

The Bible has much to say about our speech and the power of our words. The way we speak to each other is a critical aspect of godly living. Yet controlling our speech is quite difficult and rarely discussed. With biblical input and thinking, we will find it much easier to speak in a fashion that loves people and pleases God. However, biblical speech patterns do not come naturally. In the last blog we discussed how to think about speech and then considered specific ways to better communicate with others to build a strong relationship. 

 

Today let's talk about what not to say in trying to build good relationships by which we could spread the gospel or encourage others. At the end we will examine some Teleios research regarding how millennials think about speech. 

 

What not to say! Here are some speech habits to avoid:

• Don’t just talk about yourself. Ask questions to the other person to encourage them to speak which gives you a chance to listen and learn about them and their needs. 
• Do not interrupt except in rare circumstances when you really need to move the conversation forward.
• Do not criticize the person with whom you are speaking. If you must, and there’s no other option, then do so framed with commendation and appreciation for the person’s other attributes.
• Do not criticize or talk about people not in the conversation unless you have a specific compassionate goal in creating a plan to help that person. Do not say anything about someone you would not say to their face.
• Do not complain unless you’re making a specific plan of action to help resolve the issue surrounding the complaint.
• Watch that sense of humor, especially with people that you do not know who might take offense with your joking particularly in this very sensitive age. Never make somebody else, or a group, the object of a joke.
• Do not dominate the conversation. When somebody mentions something about themselves do not turn the conversation immediately back to yourself even if you want to provide your own related experience or opinion.
• Do not make points by telling long stories. Say your point succinctly and move on. Generally, use an example story only if you must clarify your point.
• Do not repeat your statements. Say your point once and stop, allowing the other person to speak. Dead air time is okay; you don’t have to fill up every moment with speech.
• Do not exaggerate.
• Do not make sweeping or specific judgments that you cannot defend.
• Do not claim credit for other people's work or ideas. Be happy for other people's success.  
• If someone has a good idea don't respond by saying ‘right’ or ‘I knew that ‘. In contrast, give them credit for the novel thinking and compliment them. 

 

Speaking in a biblical way to other people's needs will help you, not only with your relationships in a secular sense, but also to build bridges for the gospel and the opportunity for Christ to work in somebody's life.

 

Teleios Research

 

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 are listed below (Tables 1-5) and 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.

In summary, biblical speech is key to a functioning, effective, loving body of Christ. That is not to say that we should talk all the time about godly things, encouraging others and expressing gratitude. However, we should endeavor to keep the environment in which we meet people controlled and generate enough profitable speech that the overall atmosphere is productive and biblically based, even if you’re discussing football and recipes at the same time.

 

Remember, our words have weight. They can heal or hurt, encourage or discourage. So, let’s choose wisely and speak life! 

 

Read more at https://teleiosresearch.com/our-christian-walk-biblical-speech/. 

 

Thank you for reading my blog, and join me again next time as we continue discussing the Christian life.

 

William C. Stewart, MD

 

Email - info@teleiosresearch.com

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