Colossians 4:2-6 Amplified Bible
2 Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. 3 At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; 4 that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.
5 Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious]. 6 Let your speech at all times be gracious and pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you will know how to answer each one [who questions you].
Word of God for the Children of God
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
This short concise section of Scripture offers a great deal of instruction.
Paul addresses the critical concepts of earnest prayer, vigilance in prayer and thanksgiving, praying for open doors of opportunity for communicating and sharing the gospel, and the boldness to teach the gospel clearly, and daily.
He then instructs the members at Colossae to walk in wisdom, not being deceived by those outside the church, and to redeem the time.
His teaching includes graceful speech, and knowledge of just how to answer questions that come your way. While this passage is only five verses, it packs a great deal of teaching into this small, but potent, parcel of information.
The over-arching principles found in this passage are basic thoughts by which to live the Christian life.
Prayer is a lifeline, a power source for the believer.
Prayer should be a priority, a matter of vigilance, and Christians should be thankful for the opportunity to commune with the Creator.
Prayer should involve time with God to speak to Him, to hear from Him, and to pray His word as well.
It also should involve praying for others, as Paul asks the Colossians to pray for his ministry opportunities.
Even though he is in chains, he longs to see the gospel preached and souls saved. Wisdom is another principle expounded upon here. Know well your community and do not be taken advantage of by those who would abuse you.
Wisdom leads to time management and prioritizing the events and tasks of your day in order to achieve more.
Christians should not live haphazard lives, but rather be organized and efficient as well.
Finally, grace is a principle upon which a Christian should base their lives and especially their speech. Our words matter, because how we are received has a lot to do with the feelings we arouse in others as we speak to them. God will direct your words as you seek Him and submit to the Holy Spirit’s leadership.
So, Paul instructs his disciples to pray, use Godly wisdom, to speak with grace.
These are powerful principles for Christians to bring to bear on their lives and relationships.
Seek God deeply and then follow His leadership and direction in your life in every way.
He will direct your paths, your words, and your actions when you spend time with Him, making Him a priority, and listening to His voice.
Be His disciple and live well!
Additional thoughts worth meditating upon …
Proverbs 27:6 Amplified Bible
6
Faithful are the wounds of a friend [who corrects out their of love and concern],
But the kisses of an enemy are deceitful [because they serve his hidden agenda].
Some conversations are life-giving, inspiring individuals towards greater hope, while others are draining and difficult.
At times, we can feel as if we are defending ourselves from blows like a warrior shielding himself against the attacks from an enemy.
Or we might be the ones dealing the blows, using our words as weapons, aiming to wound just as we have been wounded. Regardless of our role in the proverbial fight of words, certain talks with others leave us battle-weary and exhausted.
As much as we dislike challenging conversations, they are inevitable in life, as is the possibility that we will misuse words and harmed by the speech of another.
Yet, that does not mean we have to continue treating the relationship as an area of scorched earth war. Even after hard talks, we can bring in elements of grace and healing through a willingness to admit wrongdoing, to quickly forgive, to mutually acknowledge the slippery sloped complexities of the crisis situation.
We can also start adding saltiness to our speech, as Paul advised the Colossian believers to do. Their speech was meant to be appealing and life-giving.
Likewise, graciousness and love should color the way we talk to others, even during heavy conversations in which we may have to give rebuke. Our words are not meant to be sickly sweet like a flatterer or sharp because of rashness, but lovingly honest since “Wounds from a friend can be trusted” (Proverbs 27:6).
In the aftermath of a hard talk, we can use our words to promote healing, even if difficult things had to be said, for the wise will use their speech to heal, not cause more unnecessary harm (Proverbs 12:18).
Proverbs 12:18 Amplified Bible
18
There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing.
There is value in speaking the truth in love, which does not negate the need to address issues and engage in heavy conversations (Ephesians 4:15).
Ephesians 4:15 Amplified Bible
15 But speaking the truth in love [in all things—both our speech and our lives expressing His truth], let us grow up in all things into Him [following His example] who is the Head—Christ.
However, we should do so with a focus on showing the love and grace of God, affirming our care for the individual.
So, if you have recently experienced a difficult conversation that weighs heavily upon you, take heart.
Healing is possible, as is the ability to start using your words to bring disarming peace into hard talks.
In the name of God, the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit …
Praying …
Psalm 19 Amplified Bible
The Works and the Word of God.
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.
19 The heavens are telling of the glory of God;
And the expanse [of heaven] is declaring the work of His hands.
2
Day after day pours forth speech,
And night after night reveals knowledge.
3
There is no speech, nor are there [spoken] words [from the stars];
Their voice is not heard.
4
Yet their voice [in quiet evidence] has gone out through all the earth,
Their words to the end of the world.
In them and in the heavens He has made a tent for the sun,
5
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber;
It rejoices as a strong man to run his course.
6
The sun’s rising is from one end of the heavens,
And its circuit to the other end of them;
And there is nothing hidden from its heat.
7
The law of the Lord is perfect (flawless), restoring and refreshing the soul;
The statutes of the Lord are reliable and trustworthy, making wise the simple.
8
The precepts of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart;
The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the Lord are true, they are righteous altogether.
10
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.
11
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned [reminded, illuminated, and instructed];
In keeping them there is great reward.
12
Who can understand his errors or omissions? Acquit me of hidden (unconscious, unintended) faults.
13
Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous (deliberate, willful) sins;
Let them not rule and have control over me.
Then I will be blameless (complete),
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
14
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable and pleasing in Your sight,
O Lord, my [firm, immovable] rock and my Redeemer.
Glory be to the Father,
and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen, amen.
Loving God, Living God, Loving Hope, Living Hope, Loving Living Life His Way! "Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues." - Brother Lawrence (1605-1691), Practicing the Presence of God (1692). 