Watch Your Mouth!Sample

Responding With Grace

When we’re listening to another person, we can’t control what they say or how they say it. But we can control what we say in response. Responding with grace means extending kindness and understanding, even when faced with difficult circumstances or differing opinions.

To do so should mean first listening, not interrupting, and hearing someone out. We can’t give a thoughtful response to someone if we haven’t heard the fullness of their side. Giving the respect of our full attention gives someone the honor that their words and opinions are important to us.

Then we practice being slow to speak. We give true consideration to what the other person says. This gives us time to absorb alternate ideas we hadn’t previously considered. And even if our minds don’t change, it gives us time to measure our response and the impact it might have before speaking. It allows time to let emotional reactions recede, God’s Word to fill our hearts and minds, and anger to become replaced with grace and gentleness as we respond.

If we cultivate this spirit of grace in our interactions, we can represent Jesus’s example of empathy and patience. And our conversations can build up, encourage and honor others.