I use the expression “conversation of our lives” frequently in discussions with others. Usually they know not what I am referring to, and then I point them to Scriptures to teach them.
Conversation – Manner of life. “One’s deportment or course of life, behavior and conduct. This word is never used in the sense of verbal communication from one to another.”
“Only 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; And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them and evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation and that of God.” Philippians 1:27-28
Our conduct in our daily lives before the world is especially important to the Christian, and should begin in the home. It starts in the morning, when the tone for the day is being set. Children, father and mother are frantically rushing about, breakfast needing to be prepared, someone has overslept, a child has forgotten to do an assignment, and any other myriad of irritations that make us upset, frustrated, impatient, and worst of all when angry words are said from an irritable mood. The tone for the day is then off to a bad start. Spouses and children are especially vulnerable to these irritable moments. We allow words to fly off our tongue in haste, thoughtlessly cutting into the heart of the spouse or child, and when that happens, the day, at least for them, starts off badly, when in better moments angry words would never have been spoken. How very careful we need to be with the hearts of others.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:10
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13
“And the scribe said unto Him, Well, Master, thou hast said the Truth: for there is one God; and there is none other but He: And to love Him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” Mark 12:32-33
“Speak when you are angry and you will make the best speech you will ever regret.”
“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23
Such as is common to man, we all have days when nothing seems to go right, and the entire day makes you feel as though you want to go back to bed, and not come out for a while, but we also know that it is not practical, for we have jobs, meals to be prepared, kids need to be in school, and many other duties that have to be attended. It is those days in which we have to call on an extra reserve of patience, and watch our words so that they do not harm a loved one or a co-worker. Words we say to one another can live on in the heart long after a “bad day” has departed. Those words live on in hearts, and without our knowing, hurts those we are closest to more than we think that they do, and far longer than you would ever know.
As we go about our day, remember to be gentle, kind, helpful to people. We know not what troubles they may not have disclosed, and a gentle, kind word is medicine to their hearts. It changes their mood, makes them feel better, and all are able to work together in harmony. The day is much more pleasant. The example that the Christian sets before the world is vital in being able to teach those around us the truth.
“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: Having a good conscience; that whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.” I Peter 3:15-16
Let the “conversation of your life” draw others to Him!
“Today will Never come again. Be a blessing. Be a friend. Encourage someone. Take time to care. Let your words heal, and not wound.”
Eileen Light