Colossians 4:5-6 (NLT)
5 Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.

In these verses we find the Apostle Paul encouraging the church to conduct their actions in a way that does not cause those outside of the church to think wrongly of the church. They were to take every opportunity to do well and make use of their time in a proper manner. The King James Version says our speech should always be with grace and seasoned with salt. Our words should be such that we preserve others and allow them the grace to come to know Christ.

Contained within the undergraduate catalog of Charleston Southern University is a list of “Life Preparation Concepts” for the students attending the college. One of those concepts cites Colossians 4:4-5 and gives these words of wisdom. “The term "communication” refers primarily to the exchange of ideas orally, visually, or in writing. People associated with a Christian institution should concern themselves with ethical and practical qualities of communication. They should dedicate themselves to an ideal which stresses not only clarity and persuasiveness, but also accuracy and truth. Effective communication should take place in the classroom, within the University family and between the University and the public.” This is the concept Paul was trying to get across to the church. Our words, our actions, our speech should reflect the body of Christ and extend grace to all those who need Christ in their lives. Our life is to be truth in the midst of darkness and deceit. Our words are to attract others to Christ and not turn them away. Like salt we are to preserve others and turn them from a life of destruction. Pray God will use you to be salt, preserving others you come in contact with. Pray your words will show them Christ in your life. Pray you would extend grace and mercy to those in need.