I believe that when Jesus walked among the people—healing the sick, teaching the crowds, and showing boundless compassion—He modeled how we should speak and act in a fractured society. As “He was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd” (Matthew 9:36 KJV), so we are called to bring His truth and love to those who are hurting in our modern world.
Understanding Our Times
Like the sons of Issachar, we need discernment to navigate our present culture: “And of the children of Issachar… that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32 KJV). Today’s society:
- Seeks Truth while Rejecting Truth-Givers
- Hungers for Love while Questioning Love’s Source
- Craves Authenticity while Fearing Vulnerability
Our challenge is to speak Christ’s message with wisdom, sincerity, and compassion so hearts can receive the very truth they’re longing for.
Speaking to Cultural Pain
Addressing Loneliness
- “God setteth the solitary in families…” (Psalm 68:6 KJV)
- Offer genuine connection; let your words serve as invitations into authentic community.
- Reflect Christ’s compassion by truly listening before offering advice or Scripture.
Healing Division
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.” (Matthew 5:9 KJV) Our speech can either ignite conflict or foster healing.
- Bridge Divides
- “Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” (Ephesians 4:3 KJV)
- Deliberately seek common ground and understanding in disagreements.
- Seek Understanding
- “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (James 1:19 KJV)
- Practice empathic listening; ask clarifying questions before forming rebuttals.
Addressing Difficult Topics
Speaking About Identity
“So God created man in his own image…” (Genesis 1:27 KJV) Our starting point is recognizing every person’s worth in God’s eyes.
- Affirm Worth
- “For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13 KJV)
- Show respect for each person’s inherent dignity, even if you disagree with their perspective.
- Speak Truth with Gentleness
- “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer… with meekness and fear.” (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)
- Balance honest conversation with sincere compassion; never sacrifice love or truth.
Addressing Brokenness
Like Jesus at the well with the Samaritan woman (John 4):
- He Started with Connection – He asked for water, engaging her in conversation.
- He Moved to Truth – He revealed her life situation with sensitivity.
- He Revealed Himself – He pointed her to the living water.
- He Transformed Her Community – Her testimony brought many to belief.
Being Light in Darkness
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.” (Matthew 5:14 KJV)
- Live Authentically
- “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles…” (1 Peter 2:12 KJV)
- Let your actions back up your words, demonstrating the difference Christ makes.
- Speak Hope
- “Be ready always to give an answer… a reason of the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)
- Use everyday opportunities to share why you have peace, joy, and confidence in God.
Engaging with Different Worldviews
When Paul preached at Mars’ Hill (Acts 17), he found a connection point in their altar “to an unknown god” and guided them to the One true God.
- Find Common Ground
- “For in him we live, and move, and have our being.” (Acts 17:28 KJV)
- Start from shared experiences or values to build understanding.
- Point to Truth
- “Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.” (Acts 17:23 KJV)
- Lovingly guide conversations from the familiar to the deeper truths of Christ.
Speaking to Pain
- Acknowledge Pain
- “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.” (Romans 12:15 KJV)
- Before offering solutions, show empathy by validating real hurts.
- Offer Hope
- “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…” (Psalm 34:18 KJV)
- Share the comfort you’ve received from God in your own struggles.
Cultural Engagement
Social Issues
We’re called to engage complex social issues with wisdom and compassion.
- Wisdom
- “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without…” (Colossians 4:5 KJV)
- Study God’s Word and learn about current issues so your speech is informed and balanced.
- Grace and Truth
- “For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” (John 1:17 KJV)
- Hold grace and truth together, never sacrificing one for the other.
Media and Entertainment
Guide your own and others’ attention toward what is uplifting:
“Whatsoever things are true… honest… just… pure… lovely… think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8 KJV)
Encourage dialogues that steer away from cynicism and toward redemptive perspectives.
Hope for the Future
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you… to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV) Even in a broken world, we carry God’s promises of hope and restoration. Our conversations should reflect the confidence we have in His sovereign plan.
Our Commission
Jesus commissions us all: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19–20 KJV) We do this by:
- Reaching Out
- “How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace…” (Romans 10:15 KJV)
- Look for opportunities to share Christ beyond church walls—workplaces, social media, neighborhood events.
- Building Up
- “And he gave some… For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Ephesians 4:11–12 KJV)
- Encourage fellow believers through prayer, discipleship, and fellowship.
Conclusion
The world might be broken, but Jesus remains the unshakeable solution. He reminds us, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 KJV) As we conclude this series on Speaking with Christ’s Authority, let us carry His heart of compassion and truth into every conversation, knowing His power can heal and restore. May we be His voice in a world longing for hope, shining brightly until we see His kingdom fully revealed.