“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders” means that our life before unbelievers should put a favorable light on the Word we proclaim. Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Some accused the early Christians of participating in orgies because of their talk of “love feasts” (Holy Communion). Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers.
“Let your conversation be always full of grace” means that Christians are to be gracious, pleasant, winsome, and courteous, since we represent Christ, who is full of grace and truth. “Seasoned with salt” means we should strive for sincerity, tact, and eloquence so that our conversational style is always tasteful … not flat or dull.
“That you may know how to answer everyone” is an admonition to adapt your conversation, your message, to the situation and speak appropriately to each and every person.
God’s blessings on your encounters and conversations today…