1 Pet 3:10 "For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:"

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

The ideal of Christian speech is given in the Apostle's words to the Colossians. Our Speech should always be gracious; and grace stands for mercifulness, charity, the willingness to put the best constructions upon the words and actions of another. It is a great help in dealing with envy, jealousy, or unkind feeling to compel our lips to speak as Christ would have them. If you are jealous of another, the temptation is to say unkind or depreciating things, but if we live in the power of the Holy Spirit, He will enable us to check such words and replace them by those that suggest kindly consideration on the part of ourselves and others. Endeavour to say all the good that can be said, none of the evil. It is remarkable that when we make the effort to speak kindly on behalf of those against whom we feel exasperated, the whole inward temper changes and takes on the tone of our voice.

There should be salt in our speech - purity, antiseptic, and sparkling like the Book of Proverbs. A playful wit, a bright repartee, are not inconsistent with the Apostle's standard, but whenever we mix in conversation wit people, they should be aware of an element in us which makes it impossible for them to indulge in ill-natured gossip or coarse jokes.

We must continue in prayer that God would open to us doors of utterance, so that we may speak of the hidden beauty and glory of our Saviour. Sometimes, also, when we are hard pressed to know how to answer difficult questions, it is given to us in that same hour how we ought to speak, and we find that the Holy Spirit has found an utterance by our lips (Luke 12:12, 1Pet3:15).

It is recorded of our Lord that during His trial He spoke not a word to Pilate or Herod, but as soon as He reached the Cross, He poured out His heart as their Intercessor, saying : "Father, forgive them: for they know not what they do!" Speak more to God than to men who may be reviling and threatening you. It is blessed to realise that He is able to guard the door of our lips, for probably there is no part of our nature that stands more in need of His keeping power.

Prayer - Live in us, Blessed Lord, by Thy Holy Spirit, that our lives may be gospels of helpfulness and blessedness. May all foolish talking and covetousness, bitterness, wrath, and anger be put away from us, with all malice. AMEN.

I thank God for answering my prayers to an untamed tongue. The tongue is indeed the most powerful weapon to build up or to destroy. It is akin to a small spark that sets the whole forest on fire. How true. I remember many times when I scolded my younger cousins because of unjustified anger or rude to my parents in a feat of anger. And just yesterday, after pondering for a long long time, I finally came to a conclusion that I was.. perhaps insulting my mum unknowingly. Well it was maybe out of some good intentions when I asked her to read more but unconsciously putting her down because I have indirectly insulted her knowledge and wisdom. I was tactless I suppose. I convinced myself that I was being well meaning but I realised I had often hoped that I come from a more educated family background. They are definitely honest and diligent people and today I know very well God has placed me in the best home. Sometimes, I'm just comparing and asking too much. And with my untamed tongue, comes forth words of evil... Lord It is truly an assurance to know You are able to arrest it and train it..

"But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. It is better, if it is God's will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil." 1 Pet 3:15-17

"and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at God's right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him." 1 Pet 3: 21-22

"Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." Col 4: 2-6

What is good with salt that has lose its saltiness...may I be a gracious salty salt..