Four Questions Every Believer Should Ask Before Speaking to the World
I’ve been thinking about Paul’s words in Colossians lately, and something stood out to me that I had never really noticed before. Before he tells us to let our conversation be “full of grace, seasoned with salt,” he first gives us the context.
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, make the most of every opportunity.” Colossians 4:5 (NIV)
Paul is writing to the church. He’s talking to Christians. His instruction is simple, but incredibly challenging. When you’re around people who don’t know Christ, be wise in how you conduct yourself. Why? Because every interaction is an opportunity to point someone toward Jesus. People are watching how we live long before they’re listening to what we say.
Then Paul continues:
“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:6 (NIV)
Our words should be full of grace. That certainly includes the grace of God that brings salvation, but grace is also God’s power at work in our lives. Grace strengthens, restores, encourages, and builds up. Our conversations should reflect the same grace that Christ has extended to us. Even when we have to speak difficult truths, we should do so with humility, kindness, and genuine love for the person we’re speaking to.
Then Paul says something I had never really stopped to think about.
Let your words be seasoned with salt.
Salt carries several powerful pictures throughout Scripture.
1. Salt adds flavor.
Our conversations shouldn’t be dull or lifeless. They should be engaging, encouraging, and filled with hope. People should enjoy talking with us because our words reflect the joy and life of Christ.
2. Salt preserves.
In a culture where truth is constantly being challenged, our words should preserve what is good, right, and true. We should stand firmly on God’s Word while speaking it with wisdom and love.
3. Salt purifies.
Sometimes the truth stings, but when it is spoken with grace, it brings healing instead of harm. We should never compromise the truth, but we should always deliver it with a heart that seeks restoration rather than condemnation.
4. Salt creates thirst.
Our conversations should leave people wanting to know more about Jesus rather than pushing them further away. They may not agree with everything we say, but they should see something different in us that makes them curious about the hope we have in Christ.
I think that’s exactly what Paul is getting at. We don’t have to water down the truth to reach people. We don’t have to tickle ears or avoid difficult subjects. The gospel has always been offensive to those who reject it. But there’s a difference between people being offended by the message of Christ and being offended by the messenger. Our responsibility is to represent Jesus well.
Before we speak, especially with those who don’t know Christ, it’s worth asking ourselves four simple questions.
Is it gracious?
Is it true?
Is it helpful?
Will it make this person more open to Christ rather than more resistant?
Imagine how different our homes, churches, workplaces, and even our social media would look if every believer filtered their words through those four questions.
This is what it looks like for our conversation to be full of grace, seasoned with salt. It is speech that is attractive without being compromising, truthful without being abrasive, and wise enough to meet each person where they are. In a world filled with angry voices, may ours be the kind that points people to Jesus.
Alex Bryant is a pastor, author, and speaker who writes about race, faith, and culture in America.
