How We Say Things

It’s all about how we say things. Ever notice how two people can say the same thing but get different results? One person may say it in a kind and loving way. Another may say it in a loud demanding voice. When we want to make a difference in the lives of others, we need to be aware of how we say things. People are more apt to listen and do things for those who speak kindly.

Colossians 4:5-6 “Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and effective so that you will have the right answer for everyone.”

When we are told to live wisely among those who are not Christians, we can only do that with God’s help. To live wisely, we must make right decisions. To make right decisions, we must know what God wants us to do. To know what God wants us to do, we must spend time with Him reading His word and communicating with Him.

To live wisely, we must make the decisions God wants us to make and lead by the example He has set for us through Jesus, His son. Doing what Jesus would do in every situation is not easy but it is attainable when we ask for guidance from the Holy Spirit. It is easier to allow our own feelings to get in the way when something upsets us, but we are to handle things wisely as God wants us to. Others can’t see Jesus in us when we are showing them our feelings rather than his.

To make the most of every opportunity is to not be lazy. When we have opportunities in front of us, we are to again do as Jesus would do. We are to act in the way Christians should act and look for ways to help others, talk with them and tell them about Jesus. These opportunities come around every day. We see people who are hurting, upset and people who don’t know Jesus. These are the opportunities we are to make the most of.

Having the right answer for everyone is not something we can do on our own. We don’t know everything and shouldn’t pretend we do. Our answers to help others should be God’s answers. When we give someone the right answer, we should give God the glory and let them know the way to do things is God’s way. We should take no credit for God’s answers.

Sharing examples of what has happened to us and letting the other person know we have been in their shoes will help them see we are not trying to seem better than they are. Telling them that we have messed up many times making wrong decisions and that we have found out God’s way is the best way will help them know who to turn to when they have problems. When others see us as non-judging, they will know we care.

When we live wisely, make the most of every opportunity and say the right words in the right way, others will see us as a child of God. We will be able to help others and lead them to Christ. We will be able to lead by example and let others see Jesus in us. These opportunities are all around us every day. When we take advantage of these opportunities and ask for God’s guidance, He will allow us to make a difference.