One of my professors recommended that we post the following verse in our offices as a daily reminder when we see our clients: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. After twenty years of providing speech therapy to clients of all ages, I still try to adhere to this plan with each one. Believe me sometimes it is not easy and I have failed on occasion.
When speech is motivated by God, it is full of mercy, love, peace, consideration, submission, and sincerity. These traits draw the listener to the speaker. Bitterness, envy, sarcasm, self-centeredness and unkind words cause the listener to move away and avoid entering into a dialogue with the speaker. Which spokesperson has the greatest opportunity to share Jesus?
Relationship breakers such as lying, anger, slander and filthy language are sins. Relationship builders include compassion, humility, patience, forgiveness and kindness. As members of the body of Christ we want to be relationship builders.
When sharing Christ with someone else, it is important that our speech be filled with grace. Even though the message we share makes sense, if we are not courteous, what we say is ineffective.
We must respect others if we want them to listen to what we have to say. Seasoned with salt means what we say should be tasty and encourage continued discussion.