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
In this passage, we find a small word that carries significant meaning – “let.” According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “let” means to give an opportunity or not to prevent. This highlights a crucial aspect: every Christian has the potential for gracious speech. Graceful speech is a characteristic bestowed upon believers in Christ, with the assistance of the Holy Spirit. However, it requires a conscious effort to allow this grace to manifest in our lives. To experience this grace consistently, it’s essential that we consciously yield to it, rather than obstructing its flow.
The life of a true believer shouldn’t sporadically encounter grace. Instead, grace should permeate every aspect of our lives, including our speech. Regardless of where you find yourself or whom you’re communicating with, strive for a speech that consistently reflects the grace of God.
Meanwhile, let’s not forget the phrase “seasoned with salt.” Salt isn’t just a seasoning; it’s also a preservative and a source of healing. So, a Christian’s speech should resemble salt’s versatile qualities. Just as salt enhances the flavour of food, our words should bring joy, comfort, healing, and repentance. We are called to be agents of grace in the lives of others, preserving them from despair and ultimately from hell. The world must have a taste of God’s love through their interactions with us. Our words should serve as a soothing balm for the hurting. Furthermore, our speech must bring pleasing and acceptable offerings of praise to God.
Having considered earlier, the inevitable need for wisdom in our relationship. We realised that interactions with both believers and non-believers require wisdom. Therefore, it is important to note that your speech is a crucial element in this regard. Remember, people are watching, and their actions often pose unspoken questions about how you will respond. By allowing God’s boundless grace to flow through your words and deeds, you can consistently provide the right answers to anyone and everyone. Your graceful speech will consistently provide the right answers and guidance.
In conclusion, the instruction in Colossians 4:6 reminds us to let our speech be gracious and seasoned with salt. It is a call for continuous, deliberate effort to manifest God’s grace in our words, bringing light, wisdom, and comfort to those we encounter. Graceful and seasoned speech is a hallmark of a Christ-centred life. As we navigate conversations and interactions, may we allow the Holy Spirit to work through us, offering the right responses in words and actions.
