“Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6 HCSB)
It’s concerning to read social media today and to hear how people talk to one another. There seems to be little room for discussion or tolerance of different points of view. How we talk to others matters. Paul reminds us that our conversations are to always be gracious and seasoned with salt.
Being seasoned with salt is thought to mean to be witty or winsome. In other words, we should give well thought out responses. We should talk to others with grace and not in anger—not "over charged" with emotions. We shouldn’t crush people to prove them wrong just to win the argument. When we talk to others it should be with a heart to glorifying Christ. I see this also a “measured” response, from a life that is lived in Christ. Is your heart is right, are you praying, to give an answer out love for the other person. If you are not ready for a measured response be quiet, hit the delete button!
On my desk I have a small sign under the monitor that simply reads “Be sure brain is engaged before putting mouth in gear”. I have had this sign for years on my desk and it doesn’t point to people I’m talking to. It serves as a reminder to me to stop and think before I speak. I also think about Proverbs 5:1-2 which says, “A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge attractive, but the mouth of fools blurts out foolishness.”
I hope as you reading this you’ll start to think about what you’re saying to others. I hope for graciousness and wisdom will guide your heart before you engage your mouth or fingers on your keyboards.
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