A Salt -Seasoned Speech

Seasoning always have a significant impact on any dish – it adds flavor, depth, and is crucial in creating delicious meals. Paul uses “salt” to illustrate how our speech should be seasoned. Because the way we communicate in our words can easily affect others. We often speak our minds without thinking (Prov 15:28), not realizing the power behind our words (Prov 13:3). We must learn to speak always “with grace,” and a goal of obtaining favor rather than being offensive! As “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Cor 5:20), we are commanded to convey the truth of “the gospel to every creature” (Mk 16:15).

It should reveal to them how Jesus transformed our lives (2 Cor 5:17), and how we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit (Rom 8:11). The words we speak should impact our conversations (Lk 6:45), because they are seasoned with “the fruit of the Spirit” (Gal 5:22). Thereby encouraging them to hear the gospel (Rom 10:17). Believers are also called to be “the salt of the earth” (Mt 5:13). Our speech should be characterized by a wise and gracious spirit. I strongly believe that the presence of devout Christians and their “fervent prayers” (Jms 5:16), is the main reason why nations still exist today (Prov 14:34). Our lives have a purifying effect on others when we present our bodies “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Rom 12:1).

We become God’s purifying force around ungodly people, who gets convicted whenever we are around (Eph 5:11). Because they know we’re not going to condone their sinful deeds! When we speak “the truth in love” (Eph 4:15), both the content and intonation of our voice (Prov 15:1), would cause a positive impact upon the listeners. The salt seasoning in our speech should also enable us to know (1 Pet 3:15), how we “ought to answer every man.” When we share the gospel (1 Cor 15:4), we must do it accurately and with a gracious attitude (Prov 16:24), so they would listen! God bless you!

- Pastor Melito Barrera