We put a variety of spices into our foods and call that “seasoning.” It is intended to enhance flavors and give a little extra enjoyment to our meals. There are a variety of salts we can use, and combined they give relish to food. Over time leading chefs have become expert in choosing the right amount of seasoning and adjusting it to the various things we eat. We are known to say, “Our compliments to the chef,” after a good meal.
Speaking is like that. We use words to add that little spice or seasoning to what we say. Paul said we always ought to include grace. Our speaking should be with grace and seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:5). Paul adds, “That you may know how to answer each one.” That means people are different and the “spice” we use for one may not be right for the other. In cooking, we have regard to the items that make up the meal and choose the seasoning carefully. Speaking too involves different listeners, and our words, if carefully chosen, enrich our conversations and thus our relationships with others. We’ll come back for more…