ColossiansSample

Today we start the last chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. The finale. The final remarks are often soaked with significance. Why else would every gun to the head moment in movies leave the question: any last words? It implies there’s something withheld until the last breath.

Paul’s last instructions that we read today don’t go into the depth of the doctrine teachings he proposed earlier in the letter, but they hold special importance. He says to pray, give thanks, and be careful how you behave around outsiders. Paul’s other instructions to these people have to do with their teaching and behavior within the church, but here Paul takes the next step. Don’t stay within the church.

Oh, the difference we would see in our world today if every Christian was wise was careful in how they acted and spoke towards unbelievers! How many fewer skeptics would there be? How much less condemnation would they feel? How many more people would be in Heaven?

Here’s how we can be wise in our outward appearance. “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Speak to nonbelievers with grace, always, even when theirs is not. This is the example Jesus gave us. Seasoned with salt would mean wit or sense at that time. So our conversations with people should be loving and make sense.

If we can learn the art of having pleasant conversations with those who believe differently, we will be equipped to speak into each person’s unique story.

1. Have you ever had an off-putting conversation with a Christian? What can you learn from it?
2. Do your words tend to lack grace or sense? How can you work on creating pleasant speech?
3. Do you avoid nonbelievers altogether? What spheres of influence may you be called to?