"Let your speech be always with grace..." The word translated as "speech" is logos in Greek, and its meanings include- a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea (Thayers Definitions). I simply love that definition! We have a "Living Voice" resident within us, through the Holy Spirit! Father spoke us into existence (that is how He creates things) with life-giving words, words that actually embodied the conception of our intended destiny! Since we are made in His image, we possess that same creative power to speak words that actually embody the release of God-intended destiny to those around us!
"Let your speech be always with grace..." The word translated as "speech" is logos in Greek, and its meanings include- a word, uttered by a living voice, embodies a conception or idea (Thayers Definitions). I simply love that definition! We have a "Living Voice" resident within us, through the Holy Spirit! Father spoke us into existence (that is how He creates things) with life-giving words, words that actually embodied the conception of our intended destiny! Since we are made in His image, we possess that same creative power to speak words that actually embody the release of God-intended destiny to those around us!
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (Proverbs 18:21)
Jesus said it this way, "It is the spirit that quickeneth (brings things to life); the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." (John 6:63 My input in parenthesis) Jesus is the pattern, the blueprint for our lives. If it is the spirit that brings things to life, and words are spirit, then it is words that bring things to life! Keep in mind also that words are simply the audible expression of our thoughts.
Our thoughts and words create realities! This is one reason that we are not to be found in the place of judging others; "DO NOT judge and criticize and condemn others, so that you may not be judged and criticized and condemned yourselves. For just as you judge and criticize and condemn others, you will be judged and criticized and condemned, and in accordance with the measure you [use to] deal out to others, it will be dealt out again to you." (Matthew 7:1-2 Amplified Bible) When we have thoughts and words that are critical and judgmental of others, we are actually creating a "reality" of judgment that we are then subjected to. Once again, it is sowing and reaping, it is "resonation," it is the law of attraction in operation.
Always with Grace
When our thoughts and words are "always with grace," releasing God-intended destiny, declaring those around us as the "finished product" (not the mess they appear to be!) we are actually creating a "reality" of grace that we personally are also released into. Once again, it is sowing and reaping, it is "resonation," it is the law of attraction in operation.
If your mission in life is to control/change the behavior of others, then you are severely misguided. If your mission in life is to accept, love, and be there for others while God changes them, then you are on the right track. For too long Christianity has majored on trying to control/ change behaviors. It is time we woke up to the true Gospel.
Obviously there are some behaviors that are contrary, damaging, destructive. However in helping others, "behavior" should not be the focus. Relationship should be the focus. Our job is to facilitate, to help bring them into relationship, and then help build relationship with Christ. He will do the changing from the inside. It is through relationship that behaviors are changed, not through control. Thus, our thoughts and words are to be "always with grace," releasing God-intended destiny, declaring those around us as the "finished product" in spirit.
I believe the question we must ask ourselves is not so much a matter of, "What can I DO, what methods can I employ to cause others to change and thus produce better behavior?" Rather, our question should be, "What kind of person can I BE (thinking thoughts of, and speaking words of grace, love and mercy), that will inspire others into relationship with Christ?" (Because I know that He will change them in His way and time!)
"And so it is written, 'The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening (Life-giving) spirit.'" (1 Corinthians 15:45 Amplified Bible My input in parenthesis) We are no longer just living souls, through our relationship IN Christ, we are Life Giving Spirits! I am a firm believer that as Life Giving Spirits our words can create "realities," or "aions" in Greek. "By faith we understand that the worlds (aions) [during the successive ages] were framed (fashioned, put in order, and equipped for their intended purpose) by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible." (Hebrews 11:3 Amplified Bible)
As we move from a "stable" mentality to an "inn" mentality, there is a flagship verse that stands out strong, "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) The message of Grace will minister to EVERY man! Because Grace is FOR every man! Before we launch into that verse, we must look at the context in which it lies by backing up a couple verses; "And at the same time pray for us also, that God may open a door to us for the Word (the Gospel), to proclaim the mystery concerning Christ... That I may proclaim it fully and make it clear [speak boldly and unfold that mystery], as is my duty. Behave yourselves wisely in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity." (Colossians 4:3-5 Amplified Bible)
"My little children, for whom I am again suffering birth pangs until Christ is completely and permanently formed (molded) WITHIN you..." (Galatians 4:19 Amplified Bible) So, what does this spiritual "birth" of Christ within us look like? "...only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through LOVE... For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall LOVE your neighbor as [you do] yourself." (Galatians 5:6, 14 Amplified Bible) Jesus answers this question for us by painting a word picture. "Jesus, taking him up, replied, A certain man was going from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him of his clothes and belongings and beat him and went their way, [unconcernedly] leaving him half dead, as it happened." (Luke 10:30 Amplified Bible)