We’ve all heard the saying, “think before you speak.” But what if we took that a step further and applied it to our spiritual lives? The Bible teaches us many things about living; one of the most important lessons is our word usage.
John Wesley was an influential figure in the 18th-century Christian revival known as the Methodist movement. He believed that everyone, regardless of their social class or status, should have access to the power of the gospel. In doing so, Wesley was a strong proponent of thoughtful consideration. He encouraged Christians to think before they spoke, ensuring that their words aligned with the teachings of Scripture.
Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.” – John Wesley
Wesley encouraged people to use their minds to think through the implications of their words. He urged Christ-followers to carefully examine their motives before engaging their mouths to ensure their words were not empty or careless. Wesley believed each person should live a life reflecting their faith in action.
The Bible is full of guidance on how to be more intentional with what we say. And while this notion of “think before you speak” is sound advice, it’s even more important to consider how our comments reflect our faith in God. The Bible teaches us to speak with love, compassion, and understanding. We should always take a moment to think about the consequences of our words and how they will affect others. Every word we say has the power to create or destroy, to build up or tear down.
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge appealing, but the mouth of a fool belches out foolishness” – Proverbs 15:1-2.
Before we speak, we should pray for guidance so that our words align with God’s will. We must ask ourselves if our words are actual, kind, and necessary. And a good rule is to avoid harsh language, sarcasm, and criticism. Instead, use your words to build up, encourage, and inspire. Again, our words are a reflection of our faith in God.
We should remember that our speech has the power to heal or harm, and we should strive to use words to help bring out the best in others. In today’s instant communication and social media, being mindful of our words is most important.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” – James 1:19.
James reminds us not to allow angry emotions to drive the conversation. Before opening our mouths, we should consider our words and what impact they may have. We should ask ourselves if our words are helpful or hurtful. We should also consider the consequences of our words, as angry words have the potential to cause much damage.
As Christians, we must deliver our words with respect and humility. They must be truthful and have integrity, speaking with grace and generosity.
Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body” – Proverbs 16:24.
When we “think before we speak,” we can choose words carefully and ensure they are kind and uplifting. By speaking kindly, we can make others feel valued and respected, and in turn, we can also feel good knowing we’ve made someone else’s day a little brighter.
Always do all the good you can!