Day 2 - Be Gracious

One major way we encourage each other is by the things we say. 

There is power in the words of our mouth.  Let us use our words to edify, not tear down.  I'm sure we can all remember hurtful things that were said to us years ago.  The sting of ugly words never leave.

Colossians 4:6 KJV
Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.

Or in the words of another translation:

Colossians 4:6 (NLT)

Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

The Message puts it this way:  "...Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out."

Our conversations should not be to impress someone with our brilliance. We should be gracious toward others.  The bigger person makes everyone feel at ease and their opinions valued. 

A gracious person attracts others.  Unkind people repel. When you are with someone who dominates a conversation, or belittles your ideas, what is your reaction?  You want to get away as soon as possible. You feel unappreciated.

The next time you are with someone, make it your goal to make them feel valued by listening to their ideas. Say something uplifting. Be gracious!


I am part of over 1000 bloggers participating in a 31 Day writing challenge.  You can link up at The Nester's blog, The Nesting Place. 

 
I'm also linking up at Shanda's blog,  A Pause on the Path.