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5 September 2007
Part of a themed week on "Challenges in mission".
A new language - Colossians 4:6
When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.
Before moving to a new country it is advisable to learn the language. Without the ability to communicate life becomes very difficult if not impossible. Misunderstandings can also occur.
Many years ago, while living in Latin America, I found myself in a very embarrassing situation which only got worse when I tried to explain, in Spanish, how embarrassed I was. With little knowledge of the language I remembered the advice I was once given. "If in doubt," I was told, "simply use the English word and add an 'o' to the end." This usually works. Usually, but not in my case. The result of this advice found me declaring "Soy embarrasado" which was followed by howls of laughter. I soon found out that I had inadvertently told them that I was pregnant!
As Christians we also adopt a new language. I am not speaking about the language of tongues although that is important. No, while speaking in our native tongue we are to let our speech be seasoned with salt.
Our words are to be used to build up not tear down, to heal not to wound. The language of love is to be our first and only language. In this way others will see God in us.
Father, thank you that you care about me even down to the way in which I speak and the words I use. Forgive me when my words hurt others or I speak without thinking. Please help me to consider my words and use my conversations with others to build up and encourage. Amen.
Written by Adam Pope, Volunteer Coordinator for Latin Link
Part of a themed week on "Challenges in mission".
A new language - Colossians 4:6
When you talk, you should always be kind and pleasant so you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should.
Before moving to a new country it is advisable to learn the language. Without the ability to communicate life becomes very difficult if not impossible. Misunderstandings can also occur.
Many years ago, while living in Latin America, I found myself in a very embarrassing situation which only got worse when I tried to explain, in Spanish, how embarrassed I was. With little knowledge of the language I remembered the advice I was once given. "If in doubt," I was told, "simply use the English word and add an 'o' to the end." This usually works. Usually, but not in my case. The result of this advice found me declaring "Soy embarrasado" which was followed by howls of laughter. I soon found out that I had inadvertently told them that I was pregnant!
As Christians we also adopt a new language. I am not speaking about the language of tongues although that is important. No, while speaking in our native tongue we are to let our speech be seasoned with salt.
Our words are to be used to build up not tear down, to heal not to wound. The language of love is to be our first and only language. In this way others will see God in us.
Father, thank you that you care about me even down to the way in which I speak and the words I use. Forgive me when my words hurt others or I speak without thinking. Please help me to consider my words and use my conversations with others to build up and encourage. Amen.
Written by Adam Pope, Volunteer Coordinator for Latin Link
