photo #7536522

Together in Christ: 'Saying the Right Thing at the Right Time' — Proverbs 15:23 Friday, October 25, 2024 Everyone enjoys a fitting reply; it is wonderful to say the right thing at the right time! — Proverbs 15:23 NLT Key Thought... The Bible uses the word "time" in various ways and has different words in both Hebrew and Greek for some of the different ways. Today, we'll look at two of the Greek nouns translated as "time": Chronos is a rather general word for "time." It is used for linear, sequential time [1] and periods of time. [2] It is the root of the English words chronometer and chronology. Kairos is usually more specific, referring to a particular moment in time or a particular period of time. [3] It is also used for time that is divinely apt, a perfect moment or period in time for something eternal to be said or some epoch-changing event to happen. [4] Interestingly, some modification can be added to the general term (chronos) to use it in the same sense as a divinely appointed kairos time. We see this kind of usage reflected in Paul's words "the right [chronos] time," literally "the fullness of time," written to the Galatians: But when the right time [the fullness of time] came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law. [5] Our relationship proverb for today reminds us that we want to listen and reply to those around us with words that are suitable for kairos blessing — "a fitting reply" and saying "the right thing at the right time." Jesus wants us to be salt to our flavorless and offensive world of decay and to be light to our world of growing darkness. [6] When we listen to others, then prayer-pause to ask God for wisdom in how best to respond, Jesus can use our words to bless, heal, and redeem what might otherwise be a messy, hurtful, or confusing conversation. When we respond this way, [7] our words bring joy to us and a kairos blessing to the person with whom we speak! [1] Matthew 2:7; Acts 1:6. [2] Matthew 25:19; Acts 1:21. [3] Matthew 21:34; 1 Corinthians 7:5. [4] Matthew 13:30 NIV; Luke 19:44 NIV; 2 Corinthians 6:2. [5] Galatians 4:4. [6] Matthew 5:13-16. [7] Ephesians 4:29. Today's Prayer Loving God, Creator of the universe and the tender Father, the Almighty Who formed each of us in the womb of our mother, [A] I seek Your help and wisdom. I need to learn to listen more attentively. I yearn to be led by the Spirit as I listen to others so that I can respond appropriately and redemptively to them, with apt words and timely replies that show my heart cares about the person speaking. I ask for the spiritual gift of responding to others so they know I hear their heart and not just their words. I ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

[A] Psalm 139:13.

James 1:19.

Related Scripture Readings

Ephesians 4:17-32, 5:1-2

James 1:19-27