What to Say and How to Say It

I love this little moment in John 49-50 as Jesus talks about Himself and the Father. He writes, “For I did not speak on my own accord, but the Father who sent me commanded me what to say and how to say it. I know that his command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is what the Father has told me to say.”

In other words: Jesus knew what to say and how to say it based on whatever the Father told Him. And He knew these words would lead others to eternal life.

As we become more like Jesus, I pray this for us as well. We can listen to the Holy Spirit to learn what to say and how to say it, especially when talking to people about God or when we’re communicating spiritual truths in any setting.

Jesus’ words about Himself in John resonate with the words He tells the disciples in Mark 13:11. He comforts them as He says, “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.”

Do not worry. You’ll be given the words to say. And it’s not even you speaking; it’s the Holy Spirit.

As you move into new projects that involve communication as you start this fresh, new month of July, ask the Holy Spirit to speak through you and to tell you what to say and how to say it.

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