Colossians 4:6. "Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how to answer every man."
SPEAK WITH GRACE. People who heard Him marveled at the way the Lord spoke when He was here. Even those who were looked down on by others, one after the other drew near - Because even though they knew what others thought, the Lord spoke with gracious words. I too must learn from Him how to speak with grace in my lips like the Lord.
Some people will come with belligerence and challenge because they don't like the message. Rather than try to argue a point, I am best to carefully and kindly explain a passage Of scripture that they may not know or perhaps have misunderstood. And instead of what they considered bad at the first, hopefully they'll learn that it's good.
There are some people around who think they are so bad, that God isn't interested in them. It is up to me with the scriptures in hand to try and lead them to Him. Embarrassment and guilt have overwhelmed them, they need to hear of God's love. It may be that they will look unto Him instead of continually looking at themselves.
The careless and indifferent may have to be stopped with a rebuke firmly given in Jesus' name. But we do not have to be discourteous or lay out some reason to blame. A story or illustration often works to make the careless stop and consider. Frank words spoken in a gracious way will the message of truth not hinder.
Interaction in speech, respectful conversation between two has an impact of its own. The tone of voice, facial expressions and hands gestures help the message to be shown. Words spoken clearly in a simple dialogue have a way to open doors that were closed. People can be disarmed and begin to listen when the conversation is different than supposed.
Questions when asked need to be answered, unless they are in mockery and anger. One needs to speak with grace even then to someone you know or even to a stranger. The light of God's Word needs to be used to focus attention on matters that are fundamental. We cannot dismiss even childish words; we must refrain from being too judgmental.
"Father God, tomorrow I have at least three public messages to give and no doubt quite a lot of conversation with a variety of people. I pray that the flavor and tenor of my words will be with grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."