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Will we speak the language of grace?

I am reading Abbot Christopher Jamison’s latest book Finding The Language of Grace – Rediscovering Transcendence (Bloomsbury Publishing).  In it, he asks a very challenging question;

So how can people learn to speak like Jesus?  If the language of grace makes grace a reality as in the parables of Jesus, how can we learn to speak it? (page 68)

I have been reflecting on this question.

Have you ever considered how many words, on average, you speak per day?  To find the answer, I did what all good ministers do, I asked Professor Google.  The number that came back was staggering and, to be honest, I am not sure if I really believe it.

As someone who preaches regularly, I know that the words I use can bring blessing, hope and challenge.  I find the voice of my expression through writing and so, my personal reflective practice involves journaling.  My journal records my thoughts and feelings also, how I see God at work.

There is, however, another side to the use of words.  As with every good gift, there is a negative side.  An example of this dark-side is the world of Social Media.

I have a “love / hate” relationship with Social Media. It is great for keeping in touch with family, friends and the outside world.  On the other hand, some of the content is far from helpful and just downright nasty.  In my younger days, a troll was a creature who lived under a bridge and threatened to eat the Billy Goats Gruff.  These days, a definition of a troll is;

A person who intentionally antagonizes others online by posting inflammatory, irrelevant, or offensive comments (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/troll)

One of the ways that “trolling” works is by enticing others to join with their nastiness.  Some may defend their comments as “freedom of speech” whilst forgetting that, with every freedom, comes responsibility.    The words we use can cause real hurt and harm.  Paul says to the Church at Colossae;

Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out (Colossians 4 vs. 6 – The Message)

As many of us know, our Baptist family is going to be having some big conversations on challenging topics over the coming years.  My prayer for our family is that we will find and use the language of grace wherever our discussion leads.

This Thought for the Week has been written by Sean Fountain who is the minister of Brentwood Baptist Church and a member of EBA Council.