“Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Colossians 4:6
There ought to be something different about the way Christians talk. And that doesn’t just mean not using foul language or telling crude jokes. Paul told the Colossians that every conversation should be “seasoned with salt.” But what does that mean exactly? What happens when Christians get salty?
First, salt seasons. We should bring the flavor of Christ to every conversation we’re in. Notice that Paul links salt with grace. Our words and our tone are to display the grace of God. Because we experience His grace daily, the things we say should reflect His quality of graciousness.
Salt also heals. It works as an antiseptic to help clean wounds. So, our words should bring healing to a hurting world. Sometimes the things we say hurt rather than heal because we’re being petty or defensive. Again, when we speak graciously, we don’t blast someone with truth but share truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
Finally, salt creates thirst. Christians ought to make people thirsty for Jesus. Everything we say and do is a billboard for Christianity. How we advertise Christ either attracts people or repels them. When the genuineness of your faith is evident it creates a thirst in others. For instance, lost family and coworkers may start coming to you for prayer during a difficult time.
Think about the conversations you’ve had over the last week. How did your speech reflect the character of Christ? Did your words and tone of voice back up what you profess to believe? Remember, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). So, get salty! The more you surrender to Jesus and to His Word, the more your flavor will intensify.