Speak the Truth with Grace

Today’s Bible Reading:  1 Kings 22; 2 Chronicles 18-19; Colossians 4

Journal Entry on a passage from today’s reading:

Topic: Witnessing

SCRIPTURE:  Colossians 4:5-6

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col 4:5-6 NIV)

OBSERVATION:

What a good word about how Christians are to share their beliefs with non-believers. Paul says “be wise” in the way you behave and in the words you say. Yes, we are to follow the command of Christ to share the Gospel truth far and wide—to be witnesses sharing the testimony of what He has done for us and will do for all who will but believe and receive Him. The truth is not to be watered down. However, how we present ourselves and the Gospel to others should always be done gracefully.

APPLICATION:

Our zealousness for the Lord, if we are not careful, can sometimes tend to push people away rather than attract them to the Lord. Paul is not advising us to tone down our speech; indeed the words we say should be “seasoned with salt”—palatable and savory, but not so pungent as to be off setting. Our task is not to hammer people or to spew judgment upon them. The truth is powerful and the Holy Spirit may convict people who hear it, but it must always be presented wisely and lovingly with grace. 

PRAYER:

Lord, grant me boldness with wisdom. May my speech be savory rather than bitter. May people be convicted by Your Holy Spirit not judged by the words I say. Help me to always speak the truth with grace.    

Through Christ. Amen.  -AP