Colossians 4:5

The first day of SPRING…a season of renewal

Help me to speak the truth, always seasoned with Your grace and love, gifted in Christ Jesus! John 3:16-17

Jesus Christ, God's only Son, died on the cross to rescue us from our sin and death. When we place our trust in Him, we come into His presence and find mercy, love, provision and relationship. God completely satisfies us, leaving nothing wanting in us. First5 

Lost in the moment— Jean-Pierre de Caussade (18th Century) called the Sacrament of the Present Moment—seeing each "present moment" as diffused with the sacred. It reminded me of Susanna Wesley's immortal prayer, "Help me, Lord, to remember that religion is not to be confined to the church, or closet, nor exercised only in prayer and meditation but that everywhere I am in Thy presence." 

Today I needed a reminder of small wonders.

Because here’s the deal: when I stop to see small wonders, it is possible to reclaim the fruit of the sacrament of the present moment (of sanctuary)—light, open heart, open mind, kindness, compassion, understanding, forgiveness, kindheartedness, tolerance, gratitude, mercy, dignity, second chances and hope. SabbathMoments 

Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. The New King James Version

Paul refers to practical and transformational wisdom, not intellectual insight. Those who apply such wisdom can reflect God’s values and character. 

In the ancient world, salt was used to preserve food and enhance flavor. Conversation that is figuratively seasoned with salt is uplifting. Faithlife Study Bible

Early Christians were often viewed with suspicion, distrust, and disdain. They were considered atheists because they would not worship the gods of Rome and Greece. Many labeled them as unpatriotic because they would not burn incense before the image of the emperor. Some accused the early Christians of participating in orgies because of their talk of “love feasts” (Jude 12). Others harbored suspicions that Christians were really cannibals, who ate and drank the blood and the body of the Lord. With such misrepresentations of Christian belief and practice running rampant, it was very important for misunderstandings to be dispelled by the virtuous and impeccable lives of Christian believers. The NKJV Study Bible

Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. 

Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also. Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary

Mark 9:50 Salt is good, but if the salt loses its flavor, how will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.”

Ephesians 5:15 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,

Ephesians 5:16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;