Colossians 4:5-6 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.
As ambassadors of Christ, we don’t just represent His Kingdom–we reflect His heart. Paul’s words in Colossians 4:5-6 are not just good advice; they’re a commissioning. We are called to walk wisely among those who do not yet know Christ, recognizing that every interaction is a divine opportunity.
To “walk in wisdom” means we approach others with discernment and humility, especially those outside the household of faith. Cultural intelligence is not just about knowing customs — it’s about understanding people. It’s about listening more than speaking, learning before correcting, and seeing through the lens of compassion instead of criticism.
Paul emphasizes timing and tone: making the most of every opportunity and letting our words be gracious, full of life, not judgment. “Seasoned with salt” doesn’t mean bland; it means flavorful and preserving. Salt adds value. It heals. It provokes thirst. In the same way, our words should point to something deeper–something eternal.
In a world quick to cancel, offend, and divide, the ambassador of Christ is one who builds bridges. We don’t compromise truth, but we carry it in a vessel of grace. This is how hearts are softened. This is how lives are changed.
So today, as you enter conversations, scroll through timelines, or cross paths with those who think, live, or believe differently–don’t just speak–represent. You are not merely commenting–you are carrying the authority of Heaven. Ask the Holy Spirit for divine insight before you open your mouth. Let your words be more than opinions–let them be weapons of light, truth wrapped in grace, bearing the fragrance of Christ in a world suffocating on bitterness and division. Be the voice that turns hearts, not just heads. Speak as one sent.
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[worthy_plugins_devotion_single_body]We continue looking at Jonah, and find him in Chapter 4 displeased with God’s mercy toward Nivevah. The Assyrians were arch-enemies of Israel and among the cruelest nations in history. Instead of being elated that God spared 120,000 Ninevites Jonah preferred to see his own pronouncement of judgment executed by the Lord. “Let those Assyrians get what’s coming to them…
Jonah preached his 8 word sermon and the Ninevites were struck with the fear of the Lord and moved to complete repentance.
The king stood up (a sign of his serious intent), removed his royal robes (a sign of humility)…read more
When the Lord gave Jonah a second chance, He didn’t change His mind about the prophet’s destination. He didn’t lighten the load or change the burden Jonah was destined to carry. There was no negotiation with Jonah where the Lord expressed understanding about his reluctance to go to Nineveh. God didn’t concede to send him to Tarshish just because he’d been heading in that direction anyway. Jonah’s disobedience and repentance produced a clear and simple result…
A “second time.” Jonah’s repentance gave him a second chance to obey the Lord and to fulfill his ministry. And he did it successfully. The apostle Paul tells us that “the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable” [Romans 11:29]. Jonah’s disobedience did not take away his calling as a prophet. The discipline of the Lord was fruitful in his life. But compare King Saul. He also got a second chance after failing to wait for Samuel [1 Samuel 13] and he disobeyed again, and lost his kingship [1 Samuel 15]. But even that took many years to transpire after David was anointed.
Jonah now acknowledges that God put him where he is, and he accepts His discipline. “Sheol” is the “grave”, the “pit” or the “abode of the dead”. Did Jonah die, or was he only nearly dead from three days of fish stomach acid, and little or no air? The text doesn’t say; only that if he didn’t actually leave his body, he came as close as a man can get to it; three days worth. In this nebulous and miserable place Jonah cried out, probably from the deepest depths of his agonized soul…he cried out to the Lord.
While most read the story of Jonah focusing on Jonah’s journey, I want to pause and examine the lives of the pagan sailors. What a journey they were on! We see the hand of God touching them providentially through Jonah’s disobedience. Talk about God bringing good from evil.
So the captain came to Jonah, and said to him, “What do you mean, sleeper? Arise, call on your God; perhaps your God will consider us, so that we may not perish.” At this point the captain (who probably worshiped Baal and Yamm, god of the sea) has more faith than Jonah.