God’s grace saves us and it helps us walk the walk (Eph. 2:8-9; Col. 2:6; Titus 2:11-12). We then become dispensers of His grace which empowers us to serve and communicate effectively (1 Pet. 4:10-11). As such, we demonstrate empowered communication seasoned with grace that touches the lives of those we serve.
God’s Word Reminds Us of the Difference Grace-filled Words Can Make
Here are just a couple of verses reminding us of the difference grace-filled words can make:
The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. (Prov. 16:21)
Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Prov. 16:24)
Looking at the original language for the words translated “gracious” in these verses, we find that these would be words that are sweet, kind, pleasant, and delightful. This kind of communication is more attractive and persuasive than manipulative, condemning, or controlling speech. And, people tend to learn more with these kinds of words.
A Closer Look at Empowered Communication Seasoned with Grace
Leaders spend a good amount of time communicating, sometimes before a large group, other times one-on-one; sometimes in overseeing staff, other times in the trenches of ministry. Colossians 4:6 helps us understand the need for grace to saturate our words in all settings and with all the people in our lives.
Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. (Col. 4:6)
- The focus of this verse: your words (logos)
Verse five of Colossians 4 deals with our conduct and how we’re to be wise and make the most of every opportunity. Verse six then zeros in on our conversation which is of no wonder given the power of the tongue (James 3:1-12). If we’re able to bridle our tongue, we’ll be “able to keep their whole body in check” which gets back to our conduct. While the whole of our life should indeed be empowered and propelled by grace, the Greek word used in verse five, logos, specifically points to our words.
- The essence of Christ-like communication: full of grace (charis)
The Greek word “en” translated “full of” in the NIV simply means “in” or “with” so we might say grace should envelop and saturate our words. Grace thereby describes the substance of our words, not just in content but also in their quality.
- The consistency of gracious words: “always” full of grace
God wants our communication to be seasoned with grace at all times, no matter where we are or who we’re with. That’s Christ-like communication as Jesus came full of both grace AND truth (Jn. 1:14). When Jesus lived on this earth, people were “amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips” (Lk. 4:22). Even when people need to hear truth, it must be accompanied by grace. We speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15).
- The power of gracious communication: seasoned with salt
Salt not only brings out flavors but can be used for healing. Hence, grace-filled words affect others, having the power to heal (Prov. 16:24). Grace also serves as a preserving agent keeping things from spoiling or getting corrupted. As such, grace gives us the power to keep our words as “only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (Eph. 4:29). Note that the word “benefit” in this verse, charis, is the same Greek word for grace. Ultimately, communication seasoned with grace yields great benefit for all.
- The added benefit of keeping grace in all our communication: so that you may know how to answer everyone
No matter how someone may be speaking to us or what they might ask, we respond with grace. It’s not about figuring out how to debate them or put them in their place. We always respond with grace. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” and then goes on to say, “but do this with gentleness and respect” which suggests the grace-filled communication referenced in Colossians 4:6.
How do we consistently respond in grace? 1 Peter 3:15 begins, “but in your hearts revere Christ as Lord” suggesting that Christlikeness begins from the inside out. Empowered communication seasoned with grace isn’t something we self-manufacture. It isn’t something we take a course to learn. It comes by yielding ourselves to the Lord for Him to work both in and through us “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Phil. 2:13).
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