Our Conversation

In modern usage, the word conversation, refers to our talking to one another. Webster's dictionary describes conversation as an oral exchange of sentiments, observations, opinions, or ideas. In the King James Bible, conversation is more about our behavior or conduct.

Psa 37:14 The wicked have drawn out the sword, and have bent their bow, to cast down the poor and needy, and to slay such as be of upright conversation.

conversation; derek, a way, a path, our manner of life, our character. In this verse it is talking of an upright character.

Psa 50:23 Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me: and to him that ordereth his conversation aright will I show the salvation of God.

In this Psalm the manner of life being aright, will bring God's salvation. Salvation is through faith in the promises of God. The promised Messiah Jesus brought to us our salvation. If we are saved we will show forth good fruit from a heart of praise.

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

2 Cor 1:12 For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Conversation; anastrephō, to turn one's self about, (repentant behavior), to conduct one's self, behave one's self, live

They behaved themselves, having a good conscience, in simplicity and godly sincerity by the grace of God. We are not to bring the image of God down as his ambassadors, by foolish behavior in the world and towards those of faith. Paul's troubles accomplished something in his life. He was dependent on God's grace, not with fleshly wisdom. Too many fight a personal battle of self love or self hate. Our battle is with the flesh. It will destroy you or lead you down a crooked path, unless you completely trust in God and his grace.

Gal 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
Gal 1:14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Gal 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
Gal 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:

Conversation; anastrophē, manner of life, conduct, behaviour, deportment

Eph 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins:
Eph 2:2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:
Eph 2:3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
Eph 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;

Our behavior changed by the grace of God who has made us alive in Him, forgiving our sins. We have a new Spirit; no longer have we the spirit of disobedience wherein we followed the way of the world. It isn't religion or words, but a living Spirit. The presence of God with us and the promise that we are the son's of God. Should we not be speakers of truth?

Let me say now, that we need to speak clearly and we need to behave in such a way that we are not misunderstood. Correct communication is needed; we need to speak and to hear in the right way. Often we are hurt by another's words that were not meant to be offensive. Repeat the thoughts back to the person, to see if you are understanding correctly, before sharing with other's what you think was said. Often we are tired in our speaking and our hearing, so show grace when you can.

Phil 1:27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
Phil 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

We stand together with others in unity, through faith in Jesus because in unity is great strength. We are of one mind, the mind of Christ, working together for the faith of the gospel. It is the gospel that brought us to faith, we guard this word and share it with others.

LORD help us to be one heart and in unity with our Lord Jesus Christ who is the way, the truth and the life. God's Spirit is one, so we should be one. If not, then perhaps we are not of God's Spirit?

1 Cor 12:3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

Heb 13:5 Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
Heb 13:6 So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Be content, be at peace, you don't have to have wealth to be happy. The most important things are free, health, friends, God's creation, so much to discover. The most important things are of God, honoring him and serving him. Christmas has always been a time of shopping and giving, this has become more about coveting things for many, and less about the birth of Jesus. This is the opposite of what we are to do. We are to covet more of God and his Spiritual gifts, then we are of things to buy.

James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him show out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
James 3:14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
James 3:15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
James 3:16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
James 3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Your way of life will show others your true character. Peace making, not strife; meekness and not pride and hypocrisy. Be the true children of God and let others see that we are; this is our sanctification.

1 Pet 1:13 Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ;
1 Pet 1:14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:
1 Pet 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation;
1 Pet 1:16 Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Knowledge and wisdom from God will show us what he requires as holy son's and daughter's of God. If we are to be like Jesus, we are to be holy in all manner of conversation.

1 Pet 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.
1 Pet 2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
1 Pet 2:14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.
1 Pet 2:15 For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men:
1 Pet 2:16 As free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.

Oh to bring glory to God, this is our desire. We should show honesty in all that we do and obey the laws of the nation. It is a great shame to Lord it over others and to put them in bondage under yourself as a spiritual leader. Christ came as a servant, so we are to serve. To minister, means to serve.

1 Pet 3:1 Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives;
1 Pet 3:2 While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

A meek and quiet spirit says more than nagging and strife; your behavior will draw others to Jesus or keep them away.

1 Pet 3:16 Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
1 Pet 3:17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that ye suffer for well doing, than for evil doing.

It does upset you when others treat you badly, and speak against you; especially if they are your brothers. They did this to Jesus too, so endure as a good soldier of the LORD.

Phil 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Phil 3:21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.

Our way of life is with heaven in mind. Soon Jesus will return through the heavens for his church. Then we will be free of our fleshly bodies and the distractions and cares of this life.

LORD keep our conversation acceptable in your sight. May we hear and understand each other correctly and not destroy another's reputation because of misunderstanding. May we show a life of holiness and good works to bring honor and glory to our you LORD. Your way is a way of holiness and service. Keep us true and forgive us our sins and receive us into heaven, in Jesus' name, amen