Colossians 4:5-6

Colossians 4:5-6

⁵ Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶ Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

The phrase "actions speak louder than words" maybe would be better said "words speak louder than actions" in the context of this set of verses.  I guess really there is an emphasis on both action and words.   Verse 5 makes it clear that we must be wise (full of understanding) in how we act toward those who do not know Christ.  Verse 6 makes it clear that our words must also be used properly.  

For me I know which one is more difficult, my words.  It is so difficult to have my words seasoned with grace and salt.  Its when when my words are full of grace and seasoned with salt that I will be able to respond properly. The phrase "you may know how to answer" is not talking about what to say as it is how to say it.  The word how is speaking of the manner or the attitude of how words are spoken.  Are they spoken in love or anger, are they mean or caring, are they destructive or building up.  For me its the how (manner) of my words that I struggle with, not so much what I say but how I say it, especially toward my kids.  I really do believe that my words are words that honestly I say for their best.  But even building up words said in the wrong how (manner) can become destructive, hurtful and invoke the opposite response.  

This is an area of my life that I have to daily (moment by moment) surrender to the Lord and seek His strength.  Because in my own strength I cannot accomplish what I have set out to do.  

Father today give me the strength and wisdom to speak words in a manner that would honor and glorify you.  Help me to speak my words toward my kids as if I was saying them to you.  May you always be on the tip of my tongue and the edge of my heart so that you come spilling out.