“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.” Colossians 4:6
There are certain principles that should guide our lives with non-Christians, certain attributes we should strive for. Wisdom. Timing. Grace. There is a certain way we ought to answer each person, and there is no simple pat answer for everyone.
Live and communicate in the wisdom and insight of the Word of God. Maximize your opportunities to soften hearts, plant seeds, and share the good news. Don’t be heavy-handed and over-bearing with side issues. There is a right and a wrong way to handle the lost and the Gospel.
Most Christians fall into one of two categories when it comes to talking about Christianity. The first category assumes that this life is a battle, and their approach toward outsiders come as offensive (yes, I intend both meanings of the word). Their words are often agressive and confrontational, assuming that every person is attacking Christian views and values.
The other Christian on the other end of the spectrum is embarassed by "that sort of Christian" and instead just tries to love everyone. They are often heard quoting St. Francis of Assisi: “Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” The problem is that if the Gospel is never brought up, if the name of Jesus is never mentioned, then most people will assume you're just a nice person.
Somewhere in the middle is the sort of Christian Paul is talking about. Wise toward outsiders, but taking advantage of every opportunity with outsiders. Graceful, but always engaged in the conversation of the Gospel.
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