“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt,
so that you will know how you should respond to each person.”
– Colossians 4:6

Have you ever been guilty of shooting off your mouth before you put your brain in gear? In a recent college baseball game, I watched the head coach get tossed for arguing balls and strikes with the home plate umpire. Not only was he thrown out of the game, he was forced to leave the dugout and the stadium in full view of those in attendance. Since he was coaching the visiting team, you can imagine the heckling he received from the home fans. It was obvious that the coach got caught up in the moment and his anger spilled out. This episode reminded me of the old saying, “You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to.” Angry words can’t be retrieved.

The Apostle Paul tells us to speak with grace. Our words should be courteous, humble and Christ-like. When our words are “seasoned with salt”, they are worthwhile and lift others up. When we talk, we should choose language that we would us if God were listening, because He is. Our words are more important than we may realize and angry words can have long term consequences. What situations or people light your “anger fuse”? Give them to God and trust Him to help you make the necessary changes. Remember that some fights are lost even when we win. “A bulldog can whip a skunk, but it just isn’t worth it.”

Lord, teach me to choose my words carefully. Help me understand that my words have the ability to build up or tear down. Give me wisdom and strength to speak greatness into my players, family and friends every day. Amen.