That I may make it clear.

Colossians 4:2-6, Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

This advice comes from Paul who is in prison, and his prayer request is not to be released from prison as I would likely pray. He is always praying for the opportunity to bring the word to someone, to “declare the mystery of Christ” with clarity to another person. And he encourages us to do the same. Do we seize every opportunity to be gracious in our speech, and for the wisdom to know how we ought to answer each person? Are we allowing His power to work through us to declare the mystery of Christ with clarity?

Give us Your wisdom, especially with others who we find irritating, to be gracious in speech, seasoned with salt, that we may know how we ought to answer each person with clarity.

ESV Lectionary