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

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.

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

31.Jesus 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.”
5.Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6.Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
13.When 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.
47.For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “ ‘I have made you13:47 The Greek is singular. a light for the Gentiles, that you13:47 The Greek is singular. may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’13:47 Isaiah 49:648.When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.
20.We 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. 21.God made him who had no sin to be sin5:21 Or be a sin offering for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 


About the Contributor
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. View more from the Contributor.