Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, to know how you ought to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6, TLV
3 Ways to Season With Grace. Have you ever eaten a dish that was too salty or spicy? Or not enough salt? I have. And depending upon the situation, I might move the food around on my plate, but I seldom finish much less ask for more.
It takes a delicate hand to prepare a meal for someone we don’t know well — really know. We cannot assume they will like what we serve. They might have allergies or preferences we wouldn’t know, unless we ask.
The basics of cooking and baking are the use of salt. It occurred to me how important salt is, and Paul’s use of this metaphor was brilliant — of course.
Our Speech is the Meal We Serve Others
Sharing our faith with strangers or family members takes a balanced approach. Too “salty” and they won’t finish “eating” the message. Not enough or no salt and the message is bland and not worth the second bite.
How do we season our speech with grace? Taking liberties with the food and seasoning analogy how about this, first and foremost, KNOW YOUR “GUEST”:
- Your friend or family who is resistant to the Good News, should be seasoned lightly, but often. Not all at once, but over time. Let them see us in the light of a genuine walk of faith with integrity, joy, wisdom — meals they might hunger for right now. Depending upon what they’re hungry for, we can better know their favorite dish and serve it.
- Those who are open, but need more information? We can add a bit more seasoning. The highest form of hospitality for my husband is when someone offers him hot sauce, really hot sauce. He loves his food spicy. But for me, no way. The more we know our guests, and the more we pray for them, the more the Holy Spirit will show us how to tailor our meals to each person.
- If this is a stranger, then pray that the Holy Spirit will show us what to serve. We might be surprised that He allows us insights into that person so we can serve up the perfect meal — perfectly seasoned, and maybe a little spicy. Having a ready, quick meal/message with us at all times that can be seasoned to that stranger’s need, will show the power of the Holy Spirit.
A friend of mine always keeps granola bars in her vehicle. When she stops at a traffic light and there is a homeless person, she hands them a bar. She’s always prepared to give. I love that image of us, always prepared to share at least a small bite.
Salty and spicy foods will inevitably cause us to thirst, which will
lead us to drinking water. Our seasoning should always direct our guest to the Living Water — to our Savior. Who then leads to redemption and to His Father. Who happens to be the gourmet of all gourmet Chefs. I mean have you read His “Cookbook?”
Bon Appétit
Think More About It
How do you season your “food” for those you know? Whom you don’t know? Love your stories and insights.
May we season well and be prepared, my friends.
Praying for Israel—Prayer Prompts
My heart is steadfast, O God.
I will sing, sing praises with all my soul.
Awake, harp and lyre—
I will awaken the dawn!
I will give thanks to You, ADONAI [LORD], among the peoples,
I will sing praises to You among the nations.
For Your love is higher than the heavens,
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds.
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens,
let Your glory be above all the earth.
Let Your beloved ones be delivered.
Save with Your right hand, answer me! Psalm 108:1-7, TLV
Today, we worship—battle worship. Until tomorrow, please continue to lift up those battling to protect the innocents in Israel and abroad. God bless you.
