Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. -Colossians 4:6 (NIV)

Is your speech Christian?

I have to be honest–I was shocked when I read Colossians 4:6 this morning. Generally, Paul has been painted by conservatives as on-the-attack so I was shocked when Paul encourages the Colossians to fill their talk with grace (seasoned, if you will). Or as Thumper learned when reflecting on baby Bambi’s walking,

Thumper: He doesn’t walk very good, does he?

Mrs. Rabbit: Thumper!

Thumper: Yes, mama?

Mrs. Rabbit: What did your father tell you this morning?

Thumper: [clears throat] If you can’t say something nice… don’t say nothing at all.

Recently, a friend said to me: it’s not important to always say what you’re thinking. In the days of Facebook, Twitter, and whimsical “authenticity” (being “real,” if you will), it is tempting to spout off whatever comes to mind.

“Whatever I think, people should know.”

Enter conversations around politics, theology, and colors for the church sanctuary carpet. I’ve heard too many Christians glibly talk about certain topics (e.g., healthcare reform, protecting “the Word”) and certain people (e.g., Obama, Bush, Mark Driscoll, Rob Bell) without salt.

I’m guilty of this, too. I had to make a pact with myself that I won’t spout off my feelings on Twitter or Facebook. That I think about things before I say them.

So, I challenge you and me: Is our speech Christian? Is it full of grace? Is it seasoned with salt?

If not, we should say nothing at all.