Seasoned with Grace

People today seem to be more contentious and polarized than I can remember in my lifetime around a variety of issues.  Families are found at odds with one other, often divided along generational lines.  It seems people “hold the line” and are unwilling to budge, unwilling to listen to reason or another point of view in many cases.  How then can we disagree “agreeably” with someone?  Perhaps we could start with being more concerned about demonstrating love to people than about being right.  In this same vein of self-reflection, we might determine if our argument with another is truly to enlighten the other person for their good or just to be right for its own sake.  By looking at the way Jesus interacted with others, we realize that grace and truth can exist together.  He didn’t condemn the woman caught in adultery; he forgave her but told her to go and sin no more.  Justice met Mercy.

Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and Life” are in the power the tongue.  James compares the tongue to a rudder that moves a large ship, or a bit in a horse’s mouth; by it the whole thing is led or turned any direction the person wishes.  He also likens the tongue to a fire, able to set aflame a whole forest with just a spark (James 3:3-5).  Our words are powerful, but every word we speak begins with a thought, a motivation of the heart.  Jesus said it is not just what we do, but what we think that matters.  “You have heard the commandment that says, ‘You must not commit adultery.’ But I say, anyone who even looks at a woman with lust has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matthew 5:27-28)      Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) says, “Guard your heart above all else, for it determines the course of your life.”  Your thought life is so important, because from it, everything else – words and actions – follows. 

Paul encourages us in Colossians 4:5-6, “Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation always be full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  Think of how much richer our conversations would be if this was our goal, rather than simply to prove our point.  So, with Holidays coming, when there is an opportunity to be “testy” with some family member or friend (or stranger on social media) about issues of the day, choose instead to season your words with grace.  You will be happier and the world will be a little kinder because of it. 

Grace and Peace to You,

Michelle