⁵ Conduct yourselves wisely toward outsiders, making the most of the time.^{[a] 6} Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone.

Paul was one of the most prolific writers among the early followers of Jesus. Thirteen of the letters included in our New Testament come to us under Paul’s name and influence. The early church considered Paul’s words to churches and church leaders to be scripture – the very Word of God. In wondering what God might say to us in our time, I have been reading the closing remarks in some of Paul’s letters.

Many of the messages delivered by Paul to the early churches are concerned with the behavior between Christians in the family of the Christ. Here, at the end of the letter to the Colossians believers, Paul reminds them how they should conduct themselves in the more public sphere – toward “outsiders”, and it starts with words.

Let your speech be gracious –

seasoned with salt –

knowing how you ought to answer everyone.

One of the most challenging things in our day and time is trying to have genuine, helpful conversations with people with whom we may not agree. We should choose our words carefully, and sprinkle them with grace, especially when we are in the presence of people outside our normal realm.

Prayer

God, please help me to coat every wordy encounter I have in the world today with Your grace and love, as I try to live up the example of my Lord Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.