“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.” (vv.2-6)
Here in chapter 4:2-6, Paul gives us three very important "Christian graces," pray earnestly, walk wisely, and speak gracefully.In verses 2-4 the encouragement is not to make room for prayer, because it is obvious that they did so, but to continue in it. How? individually, collectively as the men of the church, and corporately as a church body. Paul also requested prayer for himself, for divine appointments to share "the mystery of Christ" even through he was in chains.
Walking in wisdom (v. 5), simply means making godly decisions. What you do affects your witness, so do what is right! CH Spurgeon said, "A man’s life is always more forcible than his speech. When men take stock of him they reckon his deeds as dollars and his words as pennies. If his life and doctrine disagree, the mass of onlookers accept his practice and reject his preaching." So may God help us all to "walk our talk."
Finally, when speaking to others (v. 6), we are to extend the grace of God (that was given us) through seasoned words to the people around us. By doing this, we will deepen and enrich the lives of others by the graceful words the Spirit leads us to say. Lecturing, berating, condemnation or pulling rank, does not extend grace nor give anyone reason to receive our words. But listening, choosing our words carefully, and saying them with love and seasoned with salt (enough to get into the heart), this will minister to all who hear and see us.
"Tart words make no friends: spoonful of honey will catch more flies than a Gallon of Vinegar." (Benjamin Franklin 1744 )
The Truth: "He said unto her, 'Woman, where are your accusers? Hath no man condemned thee?' She said, 'No man LORD.' And Jesus said unto her, 'Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.'" (John 8:10-11)
