By Rev. J. Loren Russell
“Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.”
Colossians 4:6 CEV
Gracious words don’t make you weak. Gracious words reveal the strength and the integrity of your character. Gracious words are a blessing to others and to yourself. Use your words wisely!
If you read Scriptural Inspirations this past Wednesday, you would have found this text and these words. Both the scripture and the subsequent words instruct the reader to be pleasant and gracious with their words. Paul, who wrote this text, tells his readers to be pleasant and use words that will hold attention, convey love and show compassion. The readers were believers and followers of Christ and were to be pleasant while speaking to people who do not believe. The words they chose should be interesting enough to hold their attention, using words that would define the reason for the faith that they have.
Interestingly, the entire book of Colossians reveals the inclusive nature of the Christian faith. The fourth chapter opens with a reference to slave masters and their bondservants. They are encouraged to do essentially unheard of in the culture of the day; they were instructed to give their slaves what is just and fair. That instruction is followed by specific instructions to solemnly pray with alertness and thanksgiving, not only for those they are speaking with, but for Paul and his comrades as well. Paul was clear about his instruction because he was a prisoner when he wrote this epistle.
Paul was inclusive of slave master, slaves, prisoners, believers, and non-believers alike. In fact, verses seven through fifteen is a list of specific people, churches, regions that Paul instructs to speak to using words that are full of grace and pleasantry. The implied meaning is that this gospel is available to everyone everywhere, but they won’t listen unless the words that proceed from their mouths are interesting and pleasant, and they are ready to explain to them and give a reason for the faith they have in the Christ.
Be sure that the words of your mouth are interesting and sprinkled with pleasantry. Let your words reveal the inclusivity and the love that is the essence of the Gospel message.
Be Blessed!
Rev. J. Loren Russell is President/CEO of The JLR Company for Church Financial Strategy & Consulting; an associate minister at both Goodwill and The Greater Universal Baptist Churches in the Bronx; and creator & host of “Matters of Faith – The Radio Show” Mondays 8:00 – 10:00 PM. Listen on Matters of Faith on Facebook LIVE.
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