Sweetness of speech is not flattery, lying or failing to deal in complete truthfulness. Nor is it to be a tactic for manipulation. It is rather the attitude in which our communication is carried out.

The question is – would we persuade others on a given point or topic, or do we simply want to hammer our view home?

Would we win or keep a friend, or are we simply after stating the case? Making sure we are heard. Shouting down our opponent. Winning the argument.

Jesus never shrunk back from delivering the whole truth – but He was no man’s enemy, even though they were His.

Father, teach me this holy skill. How I would rather thunder out my opinions, than persuade by a heart set on blessing the other. How I want to be right, more than righteous.

Deliver me.

Your Gospel is “honey out of the rock” (Deut. 32:13; Ps. 81:16) Firm, solid and unmovable. But infinitely sweet.

Let me never make it bitter.

Make me like Jesus.