On the past season of the television show, So You Think You Can Dance, I admired how the judges gave constructive criticism with grace to a young contemporary dancer. They not only helped her see certain areas to work on, but also they expressed where she had admirable talent and skill. She went on to be one of the top four finalists.
The thing I appreciate about the verse above is that we see there is an alternative to malice and slander. God has shown us an overwhelming amount of grace, especially through Jesus. Are the things we say about others truthful and full of grace?
Let us pray to have grace with others, whether they are in the same room with us or not. This may be a challenge at times, since this is something we know only God can do perfectly. The reason we can love, though, is because God first loved us and showed us what His love looks like. Let's ask God to help us live without malice and slander.
Lord, thanks for showing us Your stunning grace. Help us speak to and about others with grace. Give us speech that oozes with more of Your influence. Amen.
Above study based on the workbook HeartCall: Women Sharing God's Heart (Jaye Martin, 1999).
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