Words Matter - Colossians 4:6

Tim Nay

Part of Foundations for Followers

March 26, 2023

Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O Lord, my rock and my redeemer. —Psalm 19:14

How to Determine What to Say:

2 For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. —James 3:28 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. —James 3:8

What do I want to say?
What is my motivation to say it?
Is it necessary to say?
Is it beneficial to say?

29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. —Ephesians 4:29

Who does this need to be said to?
Am I the best person to say it?
Is this the right time to say it?
How will I say it?

How to Handle Criticism:

6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. —Colossians 4:6Good sense makes one slow to anger,
and it is his glory to overlook an offense. —Proverbs 19:116 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. —Matthew 7:6

Thank the person for coming to you.
Ask them clarifying questions

Ask yourself - “Regardless of who spoke the criticism or how they spoke it, is there any truth in what was said?”

11 for it is written,“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. —Romans 14:11-12

Takeaway: I will give an account to God for everything I say, therefore, to careful.