Topical Encyclopedia
Conversing, or engaging in spoken communication, is a fundamental aspect of human interaction and is frequently addressed in the Bible. The Scriptures provide guidance on how believers should conduct their conversations, emphasizing the importance of speech that reflects Christian values and principles.
Biblical Principles of Conversing1.
Truthfulness and Honesty: The Bible underscores the importance of truth in conversation.
Ephesians 4:25 states, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one another." This verse highlights the necessity of honesty in our interactions, as believers are called to reflect the truth of God in their speech.
2.
Grace and Edification: Conversations should be gracious and aimed at building others up.
Colossians 4:6 instructs, "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." This guidance encourages believers to speak in a manner that is both kind and constructive, promoting edification and understanding.
3.
Avoidance of Corrupt Speech: The Bible warns against the use of corrupt or harmful language.
Ephesians 4:29 advises, "Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen." This directive calls for speech that is pure and beneficial, avoiding words that could harm or degrade others.
4.
Listening and Understanding: Effective conversing involves not only speaking but also listening.
James 1:19 counsels, "My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." This verse emphasizes the importance of being attentive and patient in conversations, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
5.
Gentleness and Respect: Conversations should be conducted with gentleness and respect, especially when discussing matters of faith.
1 Peter 3:15 encourages believers, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect." This instruction highlights the need for a respectful and gentle approach when sharing one's beliefs.
Conversing in the Life of JesusJesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of how to converse with others. His interactions were marked by wisdom, compassion, and authority. In
John 4, Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well demonstrates His ability to engage with individuals from different backgrounds, offering them truth and hope. His words were transformative, leading many to faith.
Conversing in the Early ChurchThe early church also provides examples of conversing in a manner that aligns with biblical principles. The apostles, in their preaching and teaching, communicated the gospel with clarity and conviction.
Acts 2 records Peter's sermon at Pentecost, where his words, empowered by the Holy Spirit, led to the conversion of thousands.
Practical ApplicationBelievers today are called to apply these biblical principles in their daily conversations. Whether in personal relationships, community interactions, or public discourse, Christians are encouraged to let their speech reflect the character of Christ. By doing so, they bear witness to the transformative power of the gospel in their lives.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Converse.
Greek
4820. sumballo -- to throw together, hence to discuss, consider...... Word Origin from sun and ballo Definition to throw together, hence to discuss, consider,
meet with NASB Word Usage confer (1),
conversing (1), helped (1), meet
...Library
The Poets
... And the fine stanza: With Theeconversing, I forget.... deliberately recalls the
words of Eve to Adam: With theeconversing, I forget all time,....
Homilies of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, on...
... get roused and warmed with desire at recognizing the voice so dear to me, and seem
to fancy him all but present to my sight, and behold himconversing with me....
Of Holy Obedience
... And so it seems to me that in the case of a man who has promised obedience to another,
were he vouchsafed the grace ofconversing with angels, and were he...
"But in what I am Now About to Narrate...
... Meanwhile, we heard the sound of peopleconversing, and by and by we were filled
with a kind of awe and amazement, for we could not help perceiving that...
Wesley Meets Peter Bohler
... then was. And from this time I did not willingly lose any opportunity of
conversing with them while I stayed in London. Wednesday...
In what Sense we are to Leave the World
... considerable restriction. They do not prohibit ourconversing with any man,
good or bad, in the way of worldly business. A thousand...
An Exhortation to virtue -- and Particularly Upon the Passage...
... therefore the guilty, when they observe people running on another business, suppose
that they are come against them; and when others areconversing one with...
Quaker City Excursion
... in the saloon for the purpose of preparing an address to be presented to the Czar;
at the same time the ladies were gathered in groupsconversing about the...
Christian Missions in Benares.
... On to old age he moved about among the people,conversing with them, going to their
great religious gatherings and distributing tracts and portions of the...
Upon Our Lord's SermonOn the Mount
... religion, I mean not only that it cannot subsist so well, but that it cannot subsist
at all, without society, " without living andconversing with other men....
Thesaurus
Conversing (7 Occurrences)... n.) of Converse. Multi-Version Concordance
Conversing (7 Occurrences). Matthew
17:3 And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them
conversing with Him. (WEY).
...Conversed (5 Occurrences)
... same time also hoping that money shall be given to him by Paul, that he may release
him, therefore, also sending for him the oftener, he wasconversing with him...
Suddenly (87 Occurrences)
... (WEY). Matthew 17:3 And suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to themconversing with
Him. (WEY). Matthew 28:9 And then suddenly they saw Jesus coming to meet them...
Idle (33 Occurrences)
... assembly of people. (WEY). Acts 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic
philosophers also wereconversing with him. Some said, "What...
Foreign (65 Occurrences)
... nothing of Joseph. (WEY). Acts 17:18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic
philosophers also wereconversing with him. Some said, "What...
Talk (164 Occurrences)
... 3. (n.) To prate; to speak impertinently. 4. (vt) To speak freely; to use
forconversing or communicating; as, to talk French. 5...
Talker (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) One who talks; especially, one who is noted for
his power ofconversing readily or agreeably; a conversationist....
Recent (2 Occurrences)
... shells. Multi-Version Concordance Recent (2 Occurrences). Luke 24:14 and were
conversing about all these recent events; (WEY). 1 Timothy...
Remarked (2 Occurrences)
... & pp) of Remark. Multi-Version Concordance Remarked (2 Occurrences). Acts 17:18
Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also wereconversing with him....
Events (27 Occurrences)
... from heaven there shall be; (See NIV). Luke 24:14 and wereconversing about
all these recent events; (WEY). Acts 1:7 And he said to...
Resources
Catholic Questions - questions from Catholics and about Catholicism | GotQuestions.orgWhere was Joseph when Jesus was an adult? | GotQuestions.orgWas Adam with Eve when she spoke to the serpent (Genesis 3:6)? | GotQuestions.orgConversing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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