Verbal Judo
March 3, 2025
I was recently introduced to a new term: verbal judo. Its meaning is ‘the practice of using words to prevent or end acts of physical violence and avoid letting a situation escalate.’ Meaning might also include influencing others to think as we do. Policemen are trained in the art. Verbal judo can be destructive, or positive, avoiding violence.
Thinking biblically, there’s no room for verbal judo in our speech. We tell them of Jesus, who he is and was, what he did, and what he means to us. We sow seed. The Holy Spirit gently woos people, knows their need and responds.
Scripture tells us our speech should be gracious, seasoned with salt. Colossians 4: 6 ‘so that you may know how to answer everyone. Time to replace verbal judo with gracious speech.