Grace Notes – Gracious Words
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Colossians 4:6 ESV
What does this passage say to you about grace?
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Grace Perspective:
Words, words, words. Words are incredibly powerful, whether spoken or written.
In this passage, Paul reminds us that the words we use when communicating with others are significant. The words we choose have power. That’s why Paul admonishes us to use grace-filled words. To be clear, this doesn’t mean we only use pleasant words; we often need to use words that are hard to speak and even harder to hear. But, if spoken with love and grace, they have the power to change hearts and bring healing.
The Bible is the Word of God. The apostle John calls Jesus the Word, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) so, even the word “word” is vitally important. As I write this, I’m filled with fear and trembling because of how important words are. The Bible gives us wisdom and understanding of who He is and who we are in relation to Him. The Bible helps us understand the Word, Jesus, Who brings life and the forgiveness of sin.
Words seasoned with grace reflect how Jesus spoke to those He encountered while here on earth. He demonstrated for us how we are to talk to others, always in truth and love. If you need help knowing how to speak to others, study the Word. There you will find the wisdom to guide you in how to love others with words seasoned with grace.
A Touch of Grace:
What words come to mind when you think about gracious seasoning?
Think of a time when someone used gracious seasoning when confronting you. How did you respond?
Grace Application:
Ever since I was a little girl, the words spoken by Thumper in the movie “Bambi” have stuck with me. He said, “Mama always says, ‘If you can’t some something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.’ I call this Thumper theology. They echo the Scripture we’re pondering today.
For such a small muscle, the tongue can bring healing, hurt, help, harm, or hope. Paul reminds followers of Christ that our speech is to be gracious and seasoned with salt. There are a variety of seasonings we can use in our conversations. Sometimes we use sweet words that are pleasant or sour words that are hard to swallow. Spicy words may bring heat to a conversation until anger erupts, and hearts are hurt. Bitter words bring pain and sorrow. But salty words, spoken graciously, may leave the listener thirsty and longing for more. Salt not only enhances flavor, but is a preservative, and gracious words help preserve truth.
In the past, salt was used as a healing agent. When a soldier or sailor was wounded, salt was poured on the wound. Though the salt burned as it was applied, it helped prevent infection. When speaking hard truth to someone, “salty” words have the power to help root out infection, sin. Adding grace to the seasoning helps the truth to bring healing to a wounded heart and hopefully stop the disease of sin from spreading.
Before speaking to others, let’s make sure our words are seasoned with grace and truth and reflect the Word. I’m going to change Thumper’s words a little, “If you can’t say something with grace, don’t say nothin’ at all.” May your words be salted with grace and love so others will seek the water of truth that brings life.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, Thank You for the Word that brings life. Forgive me when I use words that are ungracious and hurtful. Lord, place a guard over my heart and mouth so that the words I speak are seasoned with the grace that brings hope and reflects Christ’s love. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Amen.