Your speech must always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.
Colossians 4:6 (NASB)
A single word, a simple sentence spoken in a convincing way can, positively or negatively, change a person's life because it has been misplaced or well placed depending on the circumstances of the moment. When Paul speaks here of "Your Speech", he is not talking about a sermon or a biblical teaching or an exhortation, he is rather referring to any conversation that one can have with anyone, whether at church, at work, at school or any other place.
A conversation full of grace expresses love, compassion, kindness, understanding towards the person to whom one speaks. When this conversation is seasoned with salt, it means that it instructs, encourages, motivates, educates, even exhorts the person to whom one speaks. If it does not strengthen the faith of the other, it must at least bring something new into his life. Your speeches in any conversation must always mark the life of the person to whom you speak. This is exactly what Jesus did when He spoke to those who came to Him. His answers transformed their lives.
Remember the Samaritan woman, Jesus had every reason to blame her, criticize her, and judge her with contempt. But instead, He showed her love, compassion, and forgiveness. He only told her about her last husband who was not hers after the woman told Him about her marital situation. Even then, it was not a criticism or judgment from our Lord, it was rather a way of making the Samaritan woman aware of her situation. You are not better than others and you have your weaknesses too. So when you speak to them, make sure your words make them want to listen to you next time, you will use it to change their perspective of God.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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