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Seasoned with Salt

May 4th, 2009 by Jeremy Sprouse

Salt is an amazing substance. It improves the function of yeast. It gives baked foods a better texture. It can preserve meats and cheese. A pinch of salt can increase the volume of whipped cream or egg whites, raise the boiling temperature of water, and lower the freezing temperature of water. It is found in nearly every kitchen, on nearly every table, and should be found in the words of every Christian. Colossians 4:6 says: “Let your speech always be with grace [i.e., kindness] as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” Consider two functions of salt that should be in our speech.
First, salt reduces the bitterness and acidity of foods. Salting broccoli and slices of eggplant helps draw out the bitter juices of these plants and make them more palatable. Likewise, when we use our words wisely we can impart important truths without making others angry. Given the task of confronting and rebuking a sinful king, the prophet Nathan could have marched up to David and commanded him to repent, but he probably would have just made David mad. Instead, Nathan told David a parable and helped him to see his own sinfulness which led him to repentance ( 2 Sam. 12:1-7). If you are like me, you probably cannot think up a parable off the top of your head, but we can take the time to think about what needs to be said. We do not have to give someone a piece of our mind. We do not need to hammer someone with bluntness. Remember our goal is to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). If you cannot say the message in love, then you need to go work on your own problem first (cf. Matt. 7:1-5).
Second, salt is a fantastic flavor enhancer. It brings out the flavor of other foods. Just a little salt can enhance the flavor of citrus fruits, melons, tomatoes, and numerous other foods. Salt even balances the flavor of sweets like cakes, cookies, and candies. Likewise, speaking words in kindness will enhance the value of the message. Paul addressed his audiences with respectful tones even when under trials and persecutions (cf. Acts 22:1-3, 24:10-11, 26:2-3). Almost all of Paul’s letters start off with a positive tone thanking the Christians to whom he is writing and praising their faith. When we talk to people with respect, kindness, and love, we lift up their spirits and give them hope. Christianity is a message of hope, not condemnation. Why not show this in our words?
As Christians, sometimes we need to curb our tongues. We must be careful not to come across as arrogant or condescending. As though our speech was seasoned with salt, we must speak with kindness, love, and respect to each other and to those outside the church.

This entry was posted on Monday, May 4th, 2009 at 12:11 pm and is filed under Bulletin Articles.

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