Today's Passage - Col 4:5-6

River of Life Christian Church ︳www.rolcc.net/english Colossians 4:5-6   Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity.  Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.   How should we share the gospel with our family and friends?  Paul taught us to exercise wisdom when we are with the non-believers among our family and friends.  He instructed us to "make the most of every opportunity."  When God gives us opportunities to bear witness, do we seize them by telling them about your faith and sharing the message of salvation of the soul with them?  How exactly should we bear witness?   First, our conversation must "be always full of grace."  We must try to avoid argument while witnessing for the Lord.  Even if you win a debate, the person won't accept the faith; if you lose, then the person won't bother to come to church!  Your words must be graceful, for the Bible says that "a gentle answer turns away wrath."  Being graceful can turn away anger and also soften hearts, so that people would be more ready to accept the gospel.   Second, our conversation must be "seasoned with salt."  The Bible never described Christians as sugar of the world so that we would be sweet and loved by everyone.  Christians should speak positive words that edify people, but more importantly our words must agree with the truth with no false context.  Our words must be like salt; when placed on a wound, it will hurt at first, but it will disinfect the wound.  Some people preach the "sweetened" gospel, telling everything that peace and joy will come with believing, while bypassing the truth that all have sinned and fell short of God's glory.  People need to first repent and accept the Lord in order for them to have true peace and joy; therefore, our words must abide by the truth.   Third, we must be prepared to address questions.  We never know when an opportunity from God is going to come, so if your colleague or friend suddenly asks, "can you tell me about your faith," would you be able to explain your faith to him clearly?  Or, if a dying patient asked you, "can you lead me to believe in Jesus," would you be able to lead him to do a prayer to commit his life to Christ on the spot?  May God help us, let us always be prepared to share the good news of the Lord.          Pray with Pastor Tong           Lord Jesus, please open my eyes again so that I can see the opportunities to share the gospel that you have placed in my life.  Give me wisdom and courage, and let me depend on the power of your Spirit to spread your word everyday.  I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!