Passing Along What You’ve Heard
Wednesday’s Verse:
From Colossians 4:6 ESV
“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”
Saint Paul’s words are simple, but they reach deep. Our speech is not meant to be sharp or showy. It is meant to be gracious. In Lutheran terms, that means our words flow from grace already given, not from an effort to earn anything.
Notice the order. Paul does not say, “Speak graciously so you may become acceptable.” He assumes we already live in Christ’s favor. Because we are forgiven, our words can forgive. Because we are shown patience, our speech can slow down and listen.
Salt preserves and brings out flavor. Gracious speech does the same. It does not water down the truth, but it delivers truth in a way that gives life. Law still names sin. Gospel still comforts the sinner. Wisdom is knowing when each is needed.
This verse also frees us from scripts. Paul does not call us to say the same thing to everyone. He says, “each person.” Christian speech is personal, shaped by love for the one in front of us, not by a need to win.
✝️ A Prayer for Today:
Lord Jesus, You have spoken mercy to us when we did not deserve it. Guard our tongues, soften our words, and help us speak with wisdom and love, for the good of our neighbor and the glory of Your name. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
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