As a Christian I want to stand apart from the rest, both at home and when I step into the office on Monday morning. The average American worker sent and received an average of 126 emails per day in 2019. No matter what line of work you are in, you will probably find yourself needing to email someone in the course of your workday.

With this much communication going on, the words we choose matter to the recipient. Thankfully, the Bible is not silent on this subject. No matter the context of your email, it is always possible to allow God’s love and truth direct our virtual speech.

So, what does it look like to practically and efficiently apply wisdom in our everyday email communications?

Make Integrity Your Highest Goal (Genesis 37, 39-41)

Joseph did NOT know what the outcome would be when he was first betrayed by his brothers and sold as a slave to passing Egyptian traders. He also could not have known that he would be the victim of a malicious lie and imprisoned, or that he would rise to an even higher position than before.

In all these stories there is a golden thread weaving through each little anecdote of Joseph’s life: integrity. He did good even when no one was watching - and it showed. The Lord was with Joseph through all his ups and downs because of his habit of working diligently and with integrity. 

“The LORD was with Joseph.” -(Genesis 39:2)

Be honest (Proverbs 12:22)

This may seem obvious, but telling a little lie to get out of doing more work or avoid a potential angry response is a frequent temptation in my work. When you stick to the truth you are honoring God and leaving nothing behind to possibly condemn you later.

Be Kind (James 1:19-20)

It’s natural to get frustrated, but never professional or appropriate to write your anger into an email. Who knows who might keep that email or forward it to the wrong hands. If you need to, write it out in an email but wait 24 hours to send the email if it has any undertone of passive aggressive anger (just remember to keep the “To” line blank so you don’t accidentally send it!).

Don’t let anyone have any reason to say anything bad about you. After all, you are a daughter of the King, chosen that you may declare God’s goodness to the world (1 Peter 2:9).

• Which point above do you find difficult to apply in your daily work?

• What one thing can you do differently in your next email?

• What other Biblical wisdom would you add to the list?

Let us know in the comments below!