Galatians 5:17, For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.

Galatians 5:19-21, Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, 21 envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.

Galatians 5:22,23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control…

Proverbs 15:23, To make an apt answer is a joy to a man, and a word in season, how good it is!

Proverbs 25:11,12, A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. 12 Like a gold ring or an ornament of gold is a wise reprover to a listening ear.

Life Hack: There is joy in saying the right thing, in the right way, and at the right time.

1) Jesus Christ said the right thing, in the right way, and at the right time.

Matthew 19:21,22, Jesus said to him, “If you would be perfect, go, sell what you possess and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22 When the young man heard this he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

John 8:10,11, Jesus stood up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” 11 She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.”

- Jesus is the Word in season.
“Christ is the Living Word, the Wise Teacher, the Gospel in Season, and the Joyful Truth.”
- John Miller

- Jesus’ words bring joy and life.
Jeremiah 15:16, Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart…

- There is joy in sharing the Gospel.
Isaiah 52:7, How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation…

- Christ empowers believers to speak wisdom and truth.
Jeremiah 15:16, Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.

2) Learn to speak like Jesus.

- Pause before speaking.
James 1:19, Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…

“If you can't go 24 hours without drinking liquor, you're addicted to alcohol. If you can't go 24 hours without smoking, you're addicted to nicotine. So if you can't go 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, then you've lost control over your tongue."
- Joseph Telushkin

- Seek God’s wisdom in conversation.
Psalm 141:3, Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!

- Develop emotional and situational awareness.

- Season your speech.
Colossians 4:6, Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

"The tone of our truth-telling can build a wall or a bridge.”
- Ed Waltz