Conversations are an essential part of life. We were created to communicate, to connect with others, to find solutions, to release stress and negative emotions, to comfort, and to bring life through our words. Even those who cannot speak due to a debilitating condition still engage in conversation through expressions, gestures, body language, and facial cues.
However, not all conversations are healthy. God is deeply concerned with the words we speak. He desires that our speech aligns with His Word—filled with grace, not harm.
Colossians 4:6 (NIV) – “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Scripture warns us to be mindful of our speech because we will be held accountable for every idle word we utter. Our words have the power to either justify or condemn us.
Matthew 12:36 (AMP) – “But I tell you, on the day of judgment people will have to give an accounting for every careless or useless word they speak.”
Matthew 12:37 (AMP) – “For by your words [reflecting your spiritual condition] you will be justified and acquitted of the guilt of sin; and by your words [rejecting Me] you will be condemned and sentenced.”
Words carry immense power. As the Bible states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Our words can build up or tear down, heal or destroy. This is why we must carefully choose what we say.
As followers of Christ, we are called to speak differently from the world. Our words should reflect God’s truth and not conform to worldly speech.
Romans 12:2 (NIV) – “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
When we meditate on God’s Word, our minds are renewed, which ultimately transforms our speech (Acts 20:32). God does not want us to conform to this world because it is filled with careless chatter from those who do not fear or acknowledge Him. Those who live without God speak and act without restraint, but as children of God, we are called to be different. When we have Christ, we are born and destined to give life, and one of the ways we do so is through our words. Our speech should reflect His truth, not contradiction—we are not to bless and curse with the same mouth (James 3:10).
James 3:10 (NIV) – “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.”
Make a firm decision as a child of God to avoid unwholesome speech:
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) – “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Jesus warned that offenses would come (Luke 17:1), and people will try to provoke us. However, He also cautioned that we should not be the ones causing offense. In moments of anger, we must resist the temptation to speak hurtful, demeaning, or impure words.
Colossians 3:8 (NIV) – “But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.”
In difficult situations, exercise restraint. Remember that you are God’s representative, and your words reflect His character. Before you speak, consider your thoughts carefully. Maturity is demonstrated in the ability to control one’s emotions and speech.
James 1:19 (NIV) – “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.”
James 3:2 (AMPC) – “For we all often stumble and fall and offend in many things. And if anyone does not offend in speech [never says the wrong things], he is a fully developed character and a perfect man, able to control his whole body and to curb his entire nature.”
Be intentional about having meaningful conversations—ones that build up, encourage, heal, and give life. Avoid conversations that tear others down or dishonour God. If you belong to Christ, remember that you are His spokesperson. Speak words that glorify Him and edify those around you.