Seasoning Our Speech with Salt?

The first words that come to mind when I think about salty speech is that of a Hollywood image of an old-fashioned seafaring man whose language is certainly colourful. He often has no regard for the thoughts and feelings of others, but barrels his way through conversations. His talking style is not usually the type one wants to emulate.

God asks us for a different kind of salty speech:

“Let your conversations be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (Colossians 4:6 NIV)

How can our talks with others be seasoned with salt?

No one wants to listen to a dull, boring monologue. Our conversations should be flavourful and interesting and considerate of our audience. Wholesome and uplifting discussions are more meaningful.

At one point in my life I had an acquaintance who loved to talk. He would corral any newcomer and proceed to lambast them with accounts of his life story and so on with no regard if the person he was sharing these thoughts with actually was engaged in the conversation. He could seriously talk nonstop for extended time periods.

Or there are times when we have those awkward conversations with people who do let you talk, but they immediately turn the words into their own agendas. You sit there and wonder what you can possibly say next because the person you are with seems to show no interest in you, the people or surroundings.

If we are to have gracious “salty” conversation it is the opposite. First and foremost, we need to speak with kindness and consideration for those around us. It’s more than being polite – it’s being thoughtful and inviting. We need to look for ways to make connections with our audience. So much of the value of our conversations is not just in what we say but how we say it. Presentation matters immensely.

What compels any of us to do something? A good case built for the prospect or spectacular advertising? As Christians we are in the business of compelling the lost to believe in our Saviour. Our conversation needs to captivate our audience and hold their interest. As the hearer begins to trust us, the channels are open for their acceptance of what we have to say.

Salty conversation is riveting and engaging. People pay attention. It is difficult to resist listening to talk when the persuasive speaker presents their case. As we present the case for Christ, we need to be mindful of this Colossians passage – “so that we may know how to answer everyone.” Stimulating, engaging conversation doesn’t happen by itself. You can’t get water from a dry well. It is important to have some Scriptural background and to converse with people with knowledge in this area – to build up our arsenal so to speak. You never know when God will provide the opportunity to share His message of love and salvation. The power doesn’t lie in our own words, but in our willingness to be God’s channels to share the Gospel.

Our salty conversation may be the reason someone embraces the Gospel message. Our engagement with our listeners might help us be God’s arm of love to others. May we give prayerful consideration to how we converse with others and take the time to provide ourselves with the background needed to present the Gospel effectively. God will open the doors and give us the salty words we need if we make ourselves available to Him.

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