Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, so you may know how to answer each one. (Col 4:2–6).
Today's text prompts me to direct my attention toward the latter portion of this passage. This may be the final instance where we delve into this specific set of verses, but I am compelled to emphasize the last part that encourages us to speak graciously and with tact. This is so we can respond thoughtfully to anyone seeking our guidance. Essentially, this passage highlights two critical points: first, we must ensure that our speech reflects the values of a faithful follower of Christ, and second, we must develop the ability to provide helpful responses to those who come to us with inquiries.
In the New Testament, particularly in the writings of Peter, Paul, and many other authors, numerous examples stress the importance of explaining the reasons behind our beliefs as believers. This is what motivates me to explore the field of Christian apologetics so that I can provide a reasonable defence for my faith.
To do so, we are instructed in the New Testament to be like the Bereans and to study diligently to become approved workmen who are not ashamed of their faith. As believers, we must be equipped to answer any questions that others may have regarding our faith. In our current multicultural society, where personal experiences often hold great weight, we may need to go beyond simply sharing our own experiences and instead provide objective, historical evidence that supports our beliefs. It is important to be able to explain that while our faith is rooted in belief, it is also grounded in reason and evidence.
As a new Christian, I relied heavily on the scripture that says the Holy Spirit will provide the words when you stand before kings. Even now, I still believe that the Holy Spirit can bring things to my remembrance during discussions or when answering questions about my faith. However, as I have grown older, I have realized that the Holy Spirit cannot recall something that has never been put in. Therefore, I have made it a priority to read and understand the Bible.
Considering Paul's instructions to the early Colossian church, let us take his advice seriously. Here are some practical suggestions that can help you give a reasonable defence for your faith:
Study the Bible: Regularly reading and studying the Bible can deepen your understanding of God and His plan for your life.
Pray: Consistent prayer can help you connect with God and seek His guidance.
Attend Church: Being part of a community of believers can provide support, encouragement, and opportunities for growth.
Explore Apologetics: Studying Christian apologetics can help you provide logical, reasoned answers to questions and objections that others may have about Christianity.
Serve Others: Serving others is a vital part of the Christian faith, and finding opportunities to help those in your community and worldwide can be a rewarding experience.
Seek Wise Counsel: Find a mentor or someone with experience in the Christian faith who can guide and encourage you.
The suggestions I have made are not just theoretical; I have personally found them to be beneficial over the years. As I continue to study and gain more knowledge, the Holy Spirit has a greater pool of information to draw from, and I intend to continue growing in my understanding.
However, it is important to avoid falling into the trap of arrogance and pride that can come with acquiring knowledge. If Christians falls into this trap, they will become arrogant, prideful, and dogmatic. Even if we can articulate a well-crafted and logical defence of our faith, our unpleasant character can be more repulsive than our arguments, causing those we are trying to witness to be turned off by our callousness rather than convinced by our reasoning.
Therefore, Paul's instruction to let our speech always be seasoned with grace suggests that we should demonstrate the same grace we have experienced through Jesus Christ in our tone, attitude, and behaviour in our interactions with others. This means avoiding being rude, boastful, arrogant, proud, or conceited. Instead, we should listen patiently to those with whom we may disagree, seeking to understand them before seeking to be understood, as Stephen Covey advises in his book "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People." This is what it means to show grace, not just in our words but also in our actions.
As we conclude our reflection on Colossians 4:2-6, let us remember that as Christians, we are responsible for responding graciously and tactfully to those seeking our guidance. Our words and actions should reflect the values of a faithful follower of Christ, and we must be equipped to provide reasonable answers to those with questions about our faith. To do so, we should study the Bible, pray, attend church, explore apologetics, serve others, and seek wise counsel.
Let us be mindful of our tone, attitude, and behaviour, reflecting the grace of Jesus Christ that we have experienced. May we continue to grow in our understanding and knowledge of God, always guided by the Holy Spirit and motivated by our love for others. Amen.
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