“Let your speech at all times be gracious (pleasant and winsome), seasoned [as it were] with salt, [so that you may never be at a loss]to know how you ought to answer anyone [who puts a question to you].”
Colossians 4:6 AMPC
Grace Perspective:
Words, words, words. Words are potent, whether spoken or written. 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. The Bible gives us wisdom and understanding of who the Lord 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.
In this passage, Paul reminds us how we use words when talking with others is significant. When we communicate, 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 said with love and grace, they have the power to change hearts and bring healing.
Jesus spoke words seasoned with grace to those He encountered on earth. He demonstrated how we are to talk to others, always in truth and love. So, likewise, the Bible gives us wisdom on how to love others with words seasoned with grace.
A Touch of Grace:
What words come to mind when you think about gracious seasoning?
How do you respond when someone graciously confronts you?
How about when others aren’t gracious?
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 say something nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.’ I call this Thumper theology. They echo the Scripture we’re pondering today.
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 heat 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. Salt was poured on the wound when a soldier or sailor was wounded. 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 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 ensure 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.” Instead, may your words be salted with grace and truth so others will seek the water of truth that brings life.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, I come to You in the name of Jesus, my Savior, thankful for Your 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.
**Today, as you read this, I pray you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubt, please call out to God, so all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**