by Sarah L. Bryant
Ring….ringgg…..riiinnnnngggg!
“Hello, Julie speaking!” the voice on the other end of the line was that of a sweet young lady. The voices of young children could be heard faintly in the background.
“Hello, Julie! How is the Lord blessing you today?” Rose greeted her friend.
“Dear Rose, thank you for your kind phone call; the Lord planned that perfectly, because I was just thinking of you this morning. I wanted to tell you what He showed me this morning during my daily devotions. I am studying Colossians – you know the passage I am memorizing in chapter one? – and how my heart was struck by verse seventeen! It says of Christ, ‘He is before all things, and by him all things consist‘! Isn’t that an amazing statement?!” Excitement flowed from Julie’s voice, who ardently loved the Word of God, and was always eager to share it with others.
“Oh, that is one of my favorite chapters in the New Testament, Julie! I can hardly comprehend the depths of the truth of this verse.” Rose mused, “Just think, God put Christ before all of His creation, higher than the heavens, thrones, dominions, principalities, and all powers!”
“So true. One day how glorious it will be to at last see this great Savior Who has redeemed us from the power of darkness and brought us into His truly glorious light. He seemed to prick my heart gently this morning, by asking me, ‘I am before all things in this world. Do you allow me to sit on the throne of your heart in every area?”
For a few moments, there was a deep pondering silence as both young ladies dwelt on this all-encompassing question.
“How prone to wander is this heart,” Julie continued, with a sigh. “May we from our lives whatever may be distracting our focus from Jesus Christ, the only One worthy of our thoughts. You know, I was thinking today, that maybe I have not quiet given CHrist preeminence in my life in the area of my thoughts. It seems like they have been allowed a bit too much freedom and that is something I desire to give over to Jesus, that vain imaginations and unrealistic, unbiblical dreams are not allowed any foothold in my life.”
“Julie, I can certainly relate, and will be praying for you, dear friend, because Christ is pleased to see your desire to maintain a pure heart all for Him. May He give you grace as you pray toward that goal…” Rose and Julie continued to share what the Lord had been teaching their hearts.
Dear Sisters,
How rich is the communication Christ has given to us among other believers! I often thank the God for the godly sisters in the faith through whom He has blessed my life. What a privilege it is to hear how He is working in other’s hearts through His powerful Word. Malachi 3:16 rings in my mind – that beautiful picture of the remnant who spoke of the Lord and whose words brought a pleasant aroma to Him in heaven – “They that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.”
The Lord has given unto us the gift of communication. How are we using this gift? Do we enrich our family, friends, and acquaintances through God-honoring conversations and uplifting recollection of God’s Word and faithfulness?
Friendships are powerful and the words which we employ are life-giving or tearing down. I encourage you to seriously look at your relationships and your conversations according to God’s Word and principles.
- Frequently share verses the Lord has blessed you through in the Word. Psalm 119:46 proclaims, “I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed.”
- Speak uplifting words that encourage others in the Lord. 1 Peter 4:11 tells us, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.”
- Display the love and humility of Christ in your words and attitudes. Philippians 2:5-7 explains, “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
- Take every every opportunity to speak of the Gospel. Philippians 1:27 says, “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.”
- Steer your conversations away from all gossip and vain topics. Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”
- Limit the time you spend on the phone – remember that your family relationships should have first priority. Keep your conversations focused and purposeful. Proverbs 31:26 tells, “She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.”
- Pray often with and for others in your conversations. If you are speaking with a friend who is struggling through a trial, lift her before the Throne of Grace. You can pray spiritual prayers for her. Here are some Biblical prayers to study, pray, memorize, and model your prayers after:
Numbers 6:24-27
Colossians 1:9-12
2 Thessalonians 3:3-5
Philippians 1:9-11
Ephesians 3:14-21
Sisters, let us ask the Lord to “Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips” (Psalm 141:3), for we cannot guard our words by our own power. Paul warned of the great danger in untamed tongues, “The tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). May others “behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear” (1 Peter 3:2). May the Christ who dwells in our hearts be the overflow of our words, that He is magnified in our conversations. God bless you!
Speaking the Word,
Sarah L. Bryant is the oldest daughter of Tom and Dana Bryant, who seeks to be a vessel that glorifies her Savior and Lord. Her heart’s desire is that Christ would be magnified in all her life, through honoring her parents, serving her father, encouraging her siblings in loving God’s precious Word, and girding herself with skills that will bless her future family, if God so leads.
Thank you for the wonderful article, Sarah Lee! I am striving to be an encouragement to those I meet {such as you are to me!}, and to let my light for Jesus shine in this world. {Matthew 5:16} It is always so wonderful to hear your inspiring thoughts and insites, which I thank you for!
May you have a blessed day!
Love,
Martha Joy
P.S. There is me! ;)
Martha, praise the Lord – it is such a blessing to see my sisters in Christ honoring Jesus through their words. This is such a beautiful lesson to learn in our youth! Keep seeking the Lord! Ex. 33:14
Thank you so much for sharing, Sarah! What a blessing your thoughtful articles are to me! I printed it off and am looking forward to reading through this more slowly. Having encouraging conversation is something that has been on my heart for a while. It takes diligence and often more thought than simply asking what one has been doing recently and such, but it so worthwhile and productive to speak of things that have eternal value. I have a long ways to go and constantly, always need Christ’s help in honoring Him in all I say, do, and think, but His Word is full of such wisdom and grace on our journey. I love Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” I cringe at things I have said and done and apologies are often for me, but I am so thankful for the Lord and His grace and truth. His forgiveness humbles me and I rejoice that we have such an amazing Savior! I am so unworthy, yet so, so grateful!
With Joy in Christ,
Elizabeth
PS~ I would love to hear your ideas for profitable, encouraging conversation questions/topics, specifically with other sisters in Christ! I know there are so many, but am curious at what practical questions/topics you personally consider in conversation.. Thank you!! {or anyone else in the comments who has advice… =)}
Elizabeth, it is a joy to hear from you. You are right, that it can be difficult to ask others about spiritual matters, but the Lord uses those opportunities in strong ways. Praise our Savior He is merciful and always forgiving! That promise awes me continually: “Hallelujah! What a Savior!” There are so many ways to direct a conversation to Him. Some ideas would be, “What has the Lord been teaching you through His Word?” “What are you studying in your devotional time right now?” “Are you memorizing any special passages?” Also share what the Lord is teaching you, for honestly and humility is key in encouraging others in the Lord. I know how encouraged I am when a friend shares her struggles; a heart that truly is humble before Christ is beautiful. I would love to hear other ideas that you have as well in regard to conversation topics! Blessings to you – 2 Cor. 3:18
Thank you for that very encouraging post !
I am going to look up the Biblical Pray later. Also on Sunday April 1, of 2007 I asked Jesus in my heart and Sunday was my 5th year of being His child ! And I have been very blessed!
With Christ’s Love,
Kathleen
Kathleen,
We rejoice with you – praise the Lord for His faithful work in your life these past five years. May the rest of your days be filled with joy-filled moments of learning from Christ’s Word and guiding hand. Blessings to you!! Psalm 63:1
Sarah
I know that I already commented, but I just wanted to say that I would also like any tips on how to encourage others in our conversations. Elizabeth, one way that I think can be inspiring to others is to ask them what the LORD has been teaching them lately, or what they have been learning from God’s Word. I know that a few years back I didn’t read the Bible as much as I should, and if someone asked me that, then I’d start to think about how much I really did focus on the Father. And then I think it can make you seek Him more. So, that can be one thing to discuss with others. ;) Hope this helps.
Blessings in Him,
Martha Joy
Martha Joy,
One way I think to encourage others in conversation is to talk about their time with the Lord and ask them what they have been reading in their devotions. This can brighten up your friend’s day! I have to stop and think, “Is what I’m talking about right?” Colossians 3 says, “Let your speech be seasoned with grace.” Many think that applies to anger but it can be for encouraging and patience. If you take the time to talk about GOD it will be a much more GOD honoring friendship.
Love in Him,
Lydia Grace
I was just browsing the archives and the title of this post caught my attention. I have been pondering this very topic recently, and wanted to ask some advice.
How do you recommend beginning to speak with a friend about spiritual things? I know someone has already given some tips, but this friend does not have regular times for devotion, and does not as far as I know, have a hunger or desire for God’s word. I have given her good books to read, and shared Bible reading challenges with her, but she is always so busy, she never gets time. We have a good friendship, but it was built when we were younger and neither of us were seeking hard after God. So that pattern of trivial speech has continued until now.
I would just love any advice that anyone has on how to bring this friendship under the Lords leading.
Lindsey,
Thank you for stopping by and asking such a wonderful question. Every situation is different, so I would encourage you to seek the Lord and ask Him how to speak with your friend in a way that gently exhorts her to seek the Lord, while not being pushy. You can simply be transparent and honest with her, regarding struggles you are having and how the Lord has granted victory. For example, you could share how you have been struggling to desire to read your Bible consistently, or have had struggles in sibling relationships (etc), and use these areas to point back to how the Lord is working as you submit to Him. You could also ask her how you could be praying for her or how she is struggling/doing. Being truly honest and not “fake” in regard to your walk with the Lord will be a blessing to her.
Remember that one of the biggest and most powerful ways you can build her up in her walk with the Lord is through prayer. Only the Lord can truly reach her heart, soften her to His Word, and give her an unquenchable thirst for seeking Him alone. May His wisdom and grace be with you as you honor Him in your friendships!
Love,
Sarah
Dear Sarah (and all the other girls who wrote :),
Thank you for all that you wrote about conversation; it helped me realize the importance of good conversation. We have several girls at church around my age and we all love God with all our hearts, but we all can’t seem to get away from what the Bible would call ‘idol chatter.’ After church we talk a little bit, and I don’t know how to start up a conversation that I can walk away afterwards feeling refreshed or closer to them, in that short of time. I would welcome any advise that you gals have!:)
Love your sister in Christ,
Lillian
P.S. Lindsey Elise, I want to tell you that I have been wondering that exact same thing. I will write back to tell you the advise that the Godly women in my life tell me after I ask. May The Lord bless you all.
I did already leave a comment, but I just wanted to answer Lillian and tell her what I have learned. One thing I have learned is most girls tend to have a problem talking idleness. Proverbs 14:23 says, “In all labor there is profit, but idle chatter leads only to poverty.” I like to talk to older young ladies, because they can really encourage you about that. I have two older friends that are so good about that and they really have invested in my life. They love to encourage me about Jesus. Lillian, maybe you should find an older girl/woman to talk to and ask her opinion!
Thank you!