“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:5-6
As Christians, we have a testimony we need to lovingly and carefully maintain. Our speech is so important it is one thing that is often criticized by non-believers. It is often said that although we speak about the things of God, but we do not show love. They say we are too critical of worldly things, that we are judgemental toward others. Often times we are because the Bible clearly admonishes us to live in the world but to be separate from it at the same time. The closer we are to God the more we will view the world as He does. However, when dealing with non-believers we must never forget that while we hate the sin they do, we are to love the sinner in order to win them to Christ.
So what difference should this verse make in our lives? Plenty. Your conduct and speech before an unbeliever is so vitally important. Your conduct should be with wisdom, your speech filled with grace.
I know a Christian who years ago worked with an unbeliever. For several years, this Christian answered the unbeliever’s questions; he was gentle and kind in his conduct in all situations and always tried to point his friend to Christ. He sought to be wise and gracious. Today that unbeliever has become a missionary. The Lord used that Christian, his wise conduct, his gracious speech, to help bring another into His kingdom. To Jesus be the glory. Amen.
So, what does it mean to have our speech seasoned with salt? Salt enhances the natural taste of foods so that we want to eat more. It also makes us thirsty. Our speech ought to be fresh and inviting, full of spiritual flavor, causing others to be desirous, hungry, and thirsty to hear more.
