In today's passage,
Paul offers the Colossian saints some insight into good conversation habits.
Salt is a change agent so with proper use and amounts, it adds flavor to bland
food. It also has preserving qualities. From a biblical and theological perspective
grace is also a catalyst and a preservative.
Someone has said,
"God gave us two ears and one mouth to listen twice as much as we speak.
" The Apostle Paul wrote, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out
of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to
their needs, that it may benefit those who listen" (Eph. 4:29 NIV).
Foolish, disgraceful
conversation is full of personal opinion without concern or regard for what
others have to say. Such conversation doesn't try to understand the viewpoint
of others or their concerns. Have you ever heard the expression: "Open mouth,
insert foot"? That is usually the result of impulsive answers before
hearing the matter (Pro. 18:13).
Consider how our
lives and relationships might improve, if we only conversed with words salted
by grace. Our words can be inflammatory and hurtful or full of grace and
catalytic seasoning. Remember, words can never be un-said or taken back.
With regret, I wish
that I would have been a guardian of my speech earlier on in my life and
career. With God's salty grace we can identify and change our destructive
speech habits into encouraging, life-giving edification "that may benefit
those who listen." Listening to the Spirit will enable us to "know
how to answer everyone."
Dear Father, thank
you for the salt of your grace. Empower us to truly season our conversations
with your grace. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be strong and
courageous today as you answer everyone,
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