Response or Reaction? The 'Seasoning' Will Tell!

When I react to something or someone, my weak, sinful human nature always shines brightly.  This is sad but true.  Reactions are usually immediate and based on the initial feelings we are faced with when we see or hear something that sparks passion in us, whether good or bad.  Responses, on the other hand, usually come more slowly as we give thought to what we say and do.  As Christians, we should carefully ‘respond’ in our communication with others.

Colossians 4:6 says,

 “Let your speech always be full of grace, seasoned with salt,

that you may know how you ought to answer every man.”

The word ‘know’ means to see or perceive with a discerning heart.  Only one who has taken the time to seek answers from God is able to provide this kind of communication.  The word ‘seasoned’ refers to preparation.  Our speech cannot contain discernment without the preparation God provides for us in prayer and in His word.  My husband has an awesome marinade that he will use to season our meat before he cooks it on the grill.  It is worth the wait and the time as the taste is amazing!  The word ‘salt’ refers to the wisdom and grace exhibited in our speech.  If our speech is seasoned, it will be worth hearing. 

So, what does that mean in a nutshell?  When we speak, we are either pointing others back to ourselves with our reactions, or we are pointing them to Jesus Christ with our responses.  How they react or respond to us is between them and God.  I can promise you will sleep easier if you are certain you responded as God seasoned or prepared your responses. 

I would encourage all to consider our call to respond with wisdom and grace the next time we are tempted to gossip or comment on the phone, in the hall of our workplace or church, or on Facebook and Twitter.  And, as we respond on public domains, let us remember that  we are living in a time when we are given tremendous opportunities to express ourselves verbally and SO many are watching and listening.  Some responses are best left for private conversations.   I pray that I can and will always point others to Christ with my responses! 

When in doubt, do nothing until you have time for some ‘seasoning’!  Make it worth the wait!