The Bible Matters Because _______________. Sample

Salted with Grace

By American Bible Society

You walk away from that conversation with a coworker, thinking, “That didn’t go well.” You realize your meaning wasn’t clear, or that you said something actually opposite to what you meant. Did your colleague feel offended? Did he receive your well-intentioned advice as being too pushy? At this point you might defend yourself (to yourself): “I said what I was supposed to say. If he’s offended that’s his problem.” You could shrug off this lingering feeling of something done poorly, or left undone. But there’s a quiet voice—you recognize it as your own—muttering wistfully: this isn’t how it’s supposed to go. 

You want to share the hope of what you believe, to tell others who Jesus is, to bear witness. But you suspect you weren’t a very good witness. Instead of offering your coworker a tantalizing glimpse of something better, you have the feeling that you only confirmed his stereotype of Christians as moralistic, arrogant, trite. 

What went wrong? Colossians 4 can help us troubleshoot.

The passage starts with prayer, persistent prayer. We pray for opportunity, but also for ourselves—that we would be alert to opportunities and speak well when they occur.

Then we need wisdom. This involves understanding the other person’s unique personality, history, needs. Wisdom always brings a wider perspective. What does that person think of what you’re saying? Imagine which part of the Bible would most comfort or challenge that friend in this moment.

Finally, our communication needs flavor. Our text connects this “saltiness” with grace. As the Good News Translation puts it, “Your speech should always be pleasant and interesting” (verse 6). Avoid badgering. This is grace. Don’t just trot out a set of theological truisms. Use your prayer-infused wisdom to connect biblical meaning to your friend’s life in engaging ways. Forget the formulas and honestly express your own experience with God, even in your imperfection and brokenness. Share the Scriptures that challenge you, puzzle you, bother you. Welcome your friend into the grace that you enjoy.