Christians, like all people, have the chance to positively or negatively impact the people that they come in contact with. There are many simple things that Christians can (and should) do which help them to be set apart from the world. By standing out in the world, Christians may have the opportunity to share the gospel with others. A Christian’s speech should show an amazing contrast to worldly speech. In 1st Timothy 4:12 Paul encourages the young Timothy: “Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”
Christians can stand out by what is not in their speech. Obviously Christians should keep their speech free of curse words, but they should also refrain from using the Lord’s name in vain. Using the Lord’s name in vain has become so common in society that people do not even notice it any more. Also, the Christian speech should not be rash or hateful. Furthermore, Christians should not be grumblers or complainers, constantly bringing those around them down. In Philippians 2:14-15 Paul wrote: “Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.”
Christians can stand out by what is in their speech. Christians should be encouraging with their words. Their speech should be comforting. In Colossians 4:8 the Bible states: “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Christians’ speech should be thankful: to those around them and to the Lord. They should be humble in their speech. Christians’ speech should be filled with the message of the Lord. Finally, their speech should also be kind and loving.