April 22, 2024
Melissa Valerio
“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
Sharing the gospel can be hard. At least for me it is. Even though I know it’s the truth and this truth is so important for people know, it scares me sometimes when I know I need to share the gospel. I think it’s because I don’t know how it’ll be received. The gospel message is basically telling people they’ve been living the wrong way all their lives and that they need someone to save them. Most people don’t want to hear that. I guess that’s what intimidates me. Telling someone they’re wrong.
Thankfully, God understands this and has given us some advice on this matter. In the passage above, He encourages us to season our words with salt so that it’s easier to receive. Just like salt on food makes it taste better, our words seasoned with grace and love go a long way in being received. Wisdom will come into play when we can navigate the gospel message around the receiver. Some people need bluntness, but others need more salt and spice. The message is the same no matter what – but people are different. Learning how to reach each individual person effectively is the key. So, let’s keep these seasonings on hand:
Love, grace, empathy, wisdom, humbleness, gentleness, respect.
If we care more about the person we’re talking to, rather than putting the facts out there, we’ll be more sensitive to how we’re presenting the gospel. Our goal is to lead them one step closer to Christ, not five steps further. Yes, it’s true we need to tell them that they’re living in sin if they’re not following Jesus, but if they feel put down, judged, or condemned, we’ve just lost the chance to make any positive impact in their life. Seasoned with understanding and love, we can help melt the heart of the most hardened individual.
Prayer: Heavenly Jesus, it is only by Your spirit that anyone can receive You. But we can certainly do our part by sharing the gospel with love and grace instead of judgement and condemnation. The truth hurts sometimes, so give us the words to say that will help people understand what You’ve done for them. Give us success in this mission. We love You beyond measure. In Your holy name, Amen.
Action: Think of another seasoning that you can add to the list above. Commit to adding that to your speech the next time you talk to someone about Jesus.
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