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.