Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
Colossians 4:6
“Speech” today is a hot topic, for sure. In fact, freedom to speak our minds—one of the key foundations of our great nation—is under fire and, as Christians, we must be in prayer for the preservation of this God-given right. And “speech” is no longer relegated to what comes out of the mouth (or to words written in the form of a letter—for all your over-40 folks who actually wrote letters with pen and paper). Much of today’s “speech” (too much, in truth) is thrown about like arrows through various social media platforms.
Let me ask this: How careful are we with our words?
Are they salty (Col 4:6)—in other words, do they serve to preserve the Truth and enhance good flavor in life? Salt was very valuable back in Jesus’ day, often used to pay salaries. (That’s where the phrase, “He’s worth his salt” came from.) So, are we vigilant to not be careless with what we say, considering the value of our words? And is our speech seasoned with grace? Do we reflect on the grace extended to us daily (let alone the miracle of saving grace) as we wag our tongue, type a post, text a response?
The Word has a lot to say about what we say—see 1 Peter 3:10, Proverbs 12:18, James 3:10; Proverbs 21:23; Psalm 34:13, and list goes on and on. With that, here is a simple acrostic to help us ensure our words (spoken, written, and digitally created) stay aligned with God’s will: THINK.
TRUE—Is it true, honest, and factual?
HELPFUL—Is it edifying and uplifting, helpful and not hurtful?
INSPIRING—Does it serve to make people or situations better, not worse?
NECESSARY—Does it really matter if that point “gets across”? Will it make a positive impact?
KIND—Will it bring a smile (or reduce a grimace), calm a tumultuous soul, or ease a burden?
Jesus taught that our words are actually a reflection of what’s in our heart—ouch (Luke 6:45; Matthew 12:35). So, the best thing to do is fill our heart (and mind) with God’s Word and His Truths. This way, whatever form our speech takes, it will overflow with salt, grace, and glory to God.
encouraged by grace 