Colossians 4.6
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Effective communication—speech that is gracious and seasoned with salt—is appropriate for the situation. In some situations we should speak quietly and gently; in other situations directly and dispassionately; in still other situations we should speak with an emotional edge. It all depends on situational awareness, and the specifics of the circumstances.
That means discipline and discernment are required.
The challenge is to use the right words at the right time in the right way and for the right reason. You must avoid speaking out of impulse or mismanaged emotion. You must be disciplined and discerning about what you say, why you say it, and how.
- Be disciplined about what you speak.
Examine the content of your message. Is it true and relevant? Is it helpful? Is it accurate? Based on what credible source? Have you done your homework, or is it simply an emotion-based opinion? Is it hearsay? Is it appropriate and effective for the situation? Does it make the situation better?
- Be disciplined about why you speak.
Examine your motives. Why are you speaking, writing, or posting? What is your goal? Are you seeking to help or to hurt? Are you trying to build up or tear down? Are you just spreading gossip? If you are expressing a critical opinion, why? For what purpose? Are you speaking from humility or arrogance? - Be disciplined about how you speak.
Examine your method of speaking, writing, or posting. Are you using harsh and abrasive language just to be disparaging and demeaning? Or are you sending messages in an effective, compelling, beneficial way?
Pay careful attention to the way you communicate. This applies at work with colleagues, in the community with friends, at church with other believers, and at home with your family.
Do you speak with discipline and discernment? The Lord is calling.
“The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” (Proverbs 16.21)
