Surrendering a Heavy Conversation - Your Nightly Prayer - September 19th

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Surrendering a Heavy Conversation
Your Nightly Prayer
By Sophia Bricker 

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE 

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." - Colossians 4:6

SOMETHING TO PONDER 

Some conversations are life-giving, inspiring individuals towards greater hope, while others are draining and difficult. At times, we can feel as if we are defending ourselves from blows like a warrior shielding himself against the attacks from an enemy. Or we might be the ones dealing the blows, using our words as weapons, aiming to wound just as we have been wounded. Regardless of our role in the proverbial fight of words, certain talks with others leave us battle-weary and exhausted.  

As much as we dislike challenging conversations, they are inevitable in life, as is the possibility that we will misuse words and be harmed by the speech of another. Yet, that does not mean we have to continue treating the relationship as an area of war. Even after hard talks, we can bring in elements of grace and healing through a willingness to admit wrongdoing, to quickly forgive, and to acknowledge the complexities of the situation.  

We can also start adding saltiness to our speech, as Paul advised the Colossian believers to do. Their speech was meant to be appealing and life-giving. Likewise, graciousness and love should color the way we talk to others, even during heavy conversations in which we may have to give rebuke. Our words are not meant to be sickly sweet like a flatterer or sharp because of rashness, but lovingly honest since “Wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Proverbs 27:6).  

In the aftermath of a hard talk, we can use our words to promote healing, even if difficult things had to be said, for the wise will use their speech to heal, not cause more unnecessary harm (Proverbs 12:18). There is value in speaking the truth in love, which does not negate the need to address issues and engage in heavy conversations (Ephesians 4:15). However, we should do so with a focus on showing the love and grace of God, affirming our care for the individual. 

So, if you have recently experienced a difficult conversation that weighs heavily upon you, take heart. Healing is possible, as is the ability to start using your words to bring disarming peace into hard talks.     

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER 

God of grace,
You know how hard human relationships can be, the complexity of emotions, and the tempers that flare. You know better than I do the evil that can creep into our speech and the anger that can overwhelm us, leading us to sin. The recent conversation I had with (a loved one/friend/colleague, etc.) weighs heavily on my heart. I do not feel like I was heard or that we came to a resolution. Please work in this situation to soften both of our hearts and to bring healing into what is broken. Mend the fraying strands in this relationship. May You also teach me to better season my speech with grace and love so that the words I say match the identity of who I am in You.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.    

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON 

1. The image in Isaiah 2:4. Although this passage refers to conditions in the Kingdom, it provides a beautiful picture of transforming weapons of violence into tools that cultivate new life. How can this image impact the way you view and use your words? 

2. Salt. It can be used to preserve, purify, and add flavor. In what ways can you add “saltiness” to your speech as a follower of Jesus? 

3. A heavy conversation in the Bible (such as when Nathan confronted David, or Jesus rebuked Peter). How might you learn from these examples and apply them when facing a challenging discussion?  

Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Christina Morillo

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, as well as an MFA in creative writing. You can read her thoughts about literature and faith at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page Substack, or visit the discipleship-based site Cultivate, where she writes with her sister.  

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