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A Desire for His Fame: A 5-Day Celebration of Jesus

Passion Equip

A Gracious Answer

Day 4

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Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Colossians 4:5-6

In response to our critics, many Christians think we should argue aggressively to communicate our perspective. Yet when Paul said our speech ought to be “seasoned with salt,” he pointed to a different path. Gracious speech isn’t argumentative; it means giving an answer that makes sense in the context of that person’s life. Intelligent rationale is important, but grace is the greatest defense of our faith.

The call to know how to “answer everyone” seems daunting; how can you possibly understand the circumstances of everyone you meet? But Paul pointed out that graciousness is a basic element of those answers. As Christians, our actions reflect Christ. So in all things, including our speech, we should reflect God’s love and grace. When deliberating on what to say to defend your faith, remember Jesus, who taught us that grace is more powerful than rhetoric.

Prayer

Jesus, I want my actions to show others the love You’ve shown me. Give me wisdom so I can answer those who question my faith with grace and love.

Scripture References

31Jesus answered them,
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.
32
I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
5Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.
6Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
13When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
47For this is what the Lord has commanded us:

“ ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,

that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’

48When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
20We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
21God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Passion Equip
Passion Equip
Born from 20+ years of ministry, Passion Equip exists to empower a generation to live out their eternal purpose in the midst of everyday life, keeping the name and renown of Jesus as the desire of our souls.