…The language every Christian should speak—words of grace, love, and truth that reflect Christ and uplift everyone we encounter.
As followers of Christ, our words carry the power to reflect God’s love and breathe life into those around us. Scripture calls us to speak wisely, always with kindness, respect and purpose, avoiding speech that wounds or tears down.
Speaking with Grace
In Colossians 4:6, we’re reminded to “let our speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how we ought to answer each person.” This means our words should be flavorful, bringing joy and encouragement to those who hear them. As Ephesians 4:29 says, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
Kindness and Empathy
Our words should be spoken with kindness and empathy, reflecting God’s love and care for others. In 1 Peter 3:10, we’re told that “whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit.” By speaking kindly and truthfully, we can build others up and bring glory to God.
Avoiding Hurtful Speech
The Bible also warns us about the dangers of hurtful speech. In Proverbs 12:18, we’re reminded that “there is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” By choosing our words carefully and speaking with kindness, we can avoid causing harm and instead bring healing and comfort to those around us.
The Power of Words
Our words have the power to bring life or death. In Matthew 12:36-37, Jesus says that “on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” This emphasizes the importance of using our words wisely and speaking with kindness and respect.
Here’s a comprehensive list of scriptures that emphasize the importance of using our words wisely, speaking with kindness and respect, and avoiding hurtful or careless speech:
Old Testament
1. Proverbs 12:18: “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.”
2. Proverbs 15:1: “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
3. Proverbs 15:4: “A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.”
4. Proverbs 16:24: “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.”
5. Proverbs 18:13: “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
6. Proverbs 21:23: “Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.”
New Testament
1. Matthew 12:36-37: “I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”
2. Ephesians 4:29: “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
3. Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
4. James 1:19: “Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.”
5. James 3:9-10: “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing.”
6. Colossians 4:6: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
These scriptures remind us of the power of our words and the importance of using them to build others up, rather than tearing them down. By speaking with kindness, respect, and wisdom, we can bring life, hope, and joy to those around us.
As Christians, our words should reflect God’s love and bring life to those around us. By speaking with kindness, empathy, and respect, we can build others up and bring glory to God. Let’s strive to use our words wisely, avoiding hurtful speech and instead bringing healing and comfort to those who hear us.
May our words be seasoned with salt, bringing flavor and life to the world around us. Let’s speak with grace, kindness, and compassion, reflecting the love of Christ in all we say and do. AMEN
Bishop Prof Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies
Nigerian Supreme Council for Ecclesiastical Affairs
(NSCEA)
REMINDER: Tinubu Announces 30-day Youth Conference – NYC
Nigerian Youth Conveyance (NYC) Demands President Tinubu’s Promised Youth Conference
The Nigerian Youth Conveyance (NYC) would like to respectfully remind President Bola Tinubu of his promise to organize a youth conference. As reported as reported in Thisdaylive and other national news since 1st October 2024 last year.
The President announced plans to host a 30-day youth conference, which we believe has the potential to be a game-changer for the nation’s restructuring, youth development and empowerment amongst other matters that would be arising.
The NYC commends President Tinubu for recognizing the importance of engaging with the youth and providing a platform for their voices to be heard. We believe that this conference would be a significant step towards harnessing the energy and creativity of Nigerian youth to drive national development.
However, we are concerned that the conference has yet to take place. As a reminder, we urge the President to fulfill his promise and ensure the timely organization of this crucial event. The NYC is eager to participate and contribute to the conference’s success.
The youth conference would provide a unique opportunity for Nigerian youth to engage with policymakers, stakeholders, and industry experts. It would also enable them to share their ideas, showcase their talents, and learn from best practices.
The NYC looks forward to working closely with the Presidency to ensure the successful organization of the youth conference. We believe that this event would be a significant milestone in promoting youth development and empowerment in Nigeria.
The Nigerian Youths Convergence is under the watch of the National Youth Congress, Arewa Youth Council, Igbo Youth Association, Yoruba Youth Association, Niger Delta Youth Forum, and endorsed by other Global Youths Organizations.
Sincerely,
Signed.
Amb. Dogo Shagari
President
Nigerian Youth Conveyance (NYC) &
Chairman, National Youth Stakeholder Forum.
Amb Samuel Adegbola
National Secretary
National Youth (NYC).
