Theme: Colossians 3

Graceful & Salty

Some people have a wonderful way of always speaking a kind word or doing a kind act, just when it is most needed and will do the greatest good.  That’s what Paul instructed the Colossians to do:

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” –  Colossians 4:5-6.

He also wrote to the Ephesians:

“Do not let unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” – Ephesians 4:29

Benefit.  Edify.  Build up.  Eencourage. That’s the kind of conversation that should be demonstrated both within the kingdom as well as to people outside the kingdom. Our culture today does not “build up” Christians. Our beliefs and concerns are often under attack. We gather with our brothers and sisters to get built back up and, building one another up should be an intentional goal for every one of us. We must be careful not to tear each other down by our words or actions. It’s easy to tear people down in a teasing, offhand sort of way.  And there is nothing gracious or edifying in sarcasm.  Every word that leaves our mouths ought to be spoken with careful regard to those who will hear them.

Gracious speech flows from a heart that has been established in the grace of God.  What does gracious conversation sound like?  Our words should be kind.  Gracious talk is controlled, tactful, compassionate and thoughtful.  When we talk to others, we should reflect back to them the God we serve.  If our conversation is with someone who doesn’t know God, they have to be able to see Him through us.  And they have to not only hear about God’s love and mercy and grace, but they have to be able to hear and see our compassion and mercy.

The gracious speech of Jesus is a great example for us, as is everything we are told about Him. After the first sermon of his career, spoken in the synagogue at Nazareth, people were impressed by his teaching. The text says,  “All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips” (Luke 4:22).  And when he spoke with the Samaritan woman, whose story is told in John 4, she knew only the beliefs and prejudices of her people. But Jesus led her gently to understand who he was, what he had come to do, and her great need of him.  As a result of this gracious conversation, the woman believed and became a witness to other people in her town.

Our conversation should be gracious, too.  But, what about the salty part of Paul’s instruction?  I think he is referring to salt’s ability to add flavor to something that might otherwise be bland or insipid. If a believer has a wonderful story of conversion to tell, it should be told in an interesting way or else the story won’t be heard. Unbelievers will never be attracted to a new life by old clichés and lifeless words.  Sprinkling salt on a gracious conversation might also mean that, while we are extending grace to someone outside of the Kingdom, and while we are speaking gently and kindly, we can be courageous at the same time, boldly sharing the Gospel.

It’s easy to extend judgment and criticism.  The world expects Christians to judge them and point fingers disapprovingly.  Jesus didn’t do it that way.  He extended mercy and forgiveness to people who knew they were sinners, but had harsh words and rebukes for those who pretended they were perfect. As He did in John 8:1-11, it can be so powerful to refuse to condemn someone, and instead extend God’s grace and acceptance along with a suitable seasoning of salt.

Lord, create in me the ability to have conversations full of grace.  Sometimes when I try it all comes out wrong.  I can only accomplish this through Your working in me.  May your attitude and words be in my heart and mind, so that my conversation will reflect your grace and glory. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me. amen

Lynn Anne Hughes
Stephenville, Texas