Q:  According to Colossians 4:6, how can you practice letting your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone? 

Denise’s Answer:  The first scripture I want to direct you to is James 1:19, which says: 

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation.

You want your words to be seasoned with salt, so you need to think about what you say. Don’t just speak without thinking, especially if you’re in a conflict, talking to someone you don’t like, or talking to someone you’re intimidated by. Think about what you’re going to say before you say it. 

The Bible says in Proverbs 15:1: 

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

I’m just telling you how powerful your words can be. If you choose to give a soft answer when someone is speaking to you in wrath, it will absolutely silence their wrath. 

Now you said, “practically.” You have to purpose in your heart what you’re going to say. And I’m going to give you a very good suggestion. The Bible says we are to bless one another. But what does that mean? It comes from the Greek word meaning eulogy. A eulogy is usually something that people say at funerals, where they speak good words about the deceased person. The person cannot hear these good words. While it’s nice to say these kind words, if you want to bless someone, say good words to them while they’re living.

For instance, let’s take Irena as an example. I could say to her, “Oh, Irena, I’m so tired. I don’t know how we’re going to do these programs.” Or, I can purpose my mouth to bless her and say, “Irena, you are so smart and I just appreciate all the studying you’ve already done. And you don’t know this, but she’s a lawyer — she’s really smart. Irena, you’re such a blessing to people. You help people and you have a big heart. Do you see what I’m talking about? I am blessing her with my words!

Let’s say you’re offended by someone and you say, “Oh, God bless them.” That’s not blessing them. Blessing them is talking about them to the Lord. For example, if I’m speaking about one of my daughters-in-law, I can say, “Lord, thank you that she’s so smart. She’s a great mother. She is a wonderful wife to my son and so committed to what she does. She has so much courage.” Those are good words coming out of my mouth — on purpose. 

You asked how you can do this practically. I’m telling you that if you purpose in your heart to speak good words toward others, you will fulfill the Scripture passage that says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”