Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Colossians

Colossians 
Day 
Day 84

"Let your speech always be with grace..."

Text: Colossians 4:6

THE ART OF COMMUNICATION

Communication is truly an art. Language is such a powerful means of communication. Unfortunately, if language is abused, it can have very negative results. On the other hand if speech is well utilised, it can result in great blessings.

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,
that you may know how you ought to answer each one.”

Colossians 4:6

1. “Speech”

a) The focus here is “speech”.
b) The truth taught here however extends to other means of communication as well (e.g. writing).

2. Danger of careless speech

a) The apostle James highlighted the danger of using the tongue poorly.
b) James 3 highlights the danger of speech that is used negatively (James 3:1-12).

3. Context of this word of advice

a) When we speak to people in the world.
b) When we speak to people in the church.
c) Wisdom obviously is to be borne in mind.

4. Important characteristics of good Christian speech

This is part of the advice of the apostle Paul on the subject of “walking in wisdom”. He singles out the need to learn how to speak properly. Two characteristics of good speech were highlighted:-

a) Grace includes the following features:-
i) Kindness
ii) Gentleness
iii) Mercy
iv) Compassion/love
b) “Seasoned with salt”
i) Effect of healing
ii) Effect of purifying
iii) Effect of sanctifying
iv) The words of Jesus about being salt of the earth is to be remembered (Matthew 5:13).

Let’s watch our language when we speak to each other! May it be well adorned with grace!