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Clear and gracious speech!

Scripture reading for June 26th: Colossians 4, Psalm 126, Proverbs 2

Colossians 4:2-6 “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the Word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison–that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Paul, writing from prison in Rome, to believers, gives them words of encouragement concerning their need to stay connected in fellowship to Jesus through prayer while living in a hostile world among great darkness. He also asked them to pray for his own situation, though in a way we might not think of. He asked for open doors to preach the mystery of Christ. He asked that his speech and words would be made clear to those who would hear. He did not ask to get out of jail! He further instructed them to walk in wisdom towards the lost and to seize every opportunity to share the grace of God in Christ through gracious speech and the salt of the Gospel and the power and direction of the Holy Spirit. Joy would be a fruit of obedience and God would bring forth fruit and protect them from evil men!

Psalm 126:5-6 “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy! He who goes out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Prayer: Father God, thank You for Paul’s instructions to us who follow Jesus Christ. The sowing of Your Word is done often through tears of compassion for the lost and suffering as a result of the darkness and evil of this world. Open doors for me today and give me wisdom and boldness to sow the Seed of Your Word with clarity. Thank You for the promise of a great harvest and great joy!

Proverbs 2:9-12 “Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you, delivering you from the way of evil, and from men of perverted speech.”