Conversations that Give
We laugh, and we grieve.
We offer encouragement and voice concerns.
We agree and debate.
We communicate to complete tasks and coordinate schedules.
We make small talk and make plans.
We contemplate life’s mysteries together.
Conversations are a part of life, and each interaction is as unique as the person we’re talking to.
In the book of Colossians, Paul and Timothy advised the believers to live wisely, especially among those who weren’t believers, and to make the most of each opportunity (Colossians 4:5). They went on to say:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
Colossians 4:6 NIV
This sounds good—but what does it actually mean to be “full of grace” and “seasoned with salt”?
Full of grace. Grace is a free and undeserved gift. So even if someone is difficult or disagrees with our opinions, we can still communicate with kindness and respect. Grace gives kindness without condition—and so can we.
Seasoned with salt. Salt is an essential mineral used for preservation and seasoning. As Christ-followers, we are compelled by His love to be living preservatives of His story while sharing His message with passion and flavor.
Does this mean we should become full-time people pleasers? Or that we’ll have all the answers? Of course not. But like 1 Peter 3:15 says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
It’s not just about what we say but how we say it. In our everyday conversations, we can honor Christ by speaking intentionally and gracefully.
“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not....