This past Sunday, our Home Fellowship Group talked about the second chapter of Elliot Clark's book Evangelism as Exiles. The discussion turned to thinking about how we can wisely share our faith with others. For me, it was a thought-provoking discussion. In the chapter, Clark refers to Colossians 4:2, so I went back and read through all of Colossians 4. Verses 5 and 6, as famous as they are for being an evangelism proof text, stood out to me: "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."
Sharing our faith is one of the most important things we can do as Christians, but it’s something that requires wisdom. I have seen Christians unnecessarily offend non-believers when trying to witness to them. I have seen Christians do stupid things - not necessarily sinful things, although I’ve seen that too - that turn the non-believer off to any message that the Christian wants to share, including the gospel message. And I’m not naive enough to believe that at one time or another I’ve not been a part of both groups.
Colossians 4:5-6 is a helpful reminder to be wise in how we live and engage with those who have not trusted in Christ so that we might reach them for Christ.
When Paul says, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders,” he’s not just talking about isolated conversations; he’s calling us to live our entire lives wisely. To “walk in wisdom” means to live in a way that commends the gospel and honors the Lord. Earlier in the letter, Paul tells the Colossians that he prays they would have “spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work…” (1:9b -10). How we conduct ourselves around non-believers really means something in terms of their receptiveness to what we say.
I’d suggest that part of living wisely is listening to the non-believers we hope to share the gospel with. Proverbs 18:13 says, If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.” When we truly listen to others—their questions, doubts, and stories—we’re showing them we genuinely care and love them. We’re not just trying to make a point, to make a point. Certainly, when people feel heard, they are more likely to listen in return. More than that, they may even approach us asking about the hope we have.
And then, when the opportunity to share presents itself, we “make[ing] the best use of the time” and we speak the gospel. We look for those fleeting moments when someone may be open to hearing the hope of Christ, and we seize them. We don’t shy away from the ‘uncomfortable.’ Wise evangelism recognizes these moments—and boldly acts.
Wisdom also shapes the way we speak. Our words should “always be gracious”—full of the grace we’ve received through Christ—and “seasoned with salt.” We don’t present the gospel as dried-up, unseasoned ham but as something worth tasting and savoring. As Peter says, “taste and see that the Lord is good” (1 Peter 2:3).
But we don’t get there without prayer. Paul begins Colossians 4 by asking for prayer, and it’s no coincidence that wisdom flows from that. Prayer softens our hearts. It helps us listen well. It helps us to care about each person. And it gives us the boldness to speak when the moment comes.
So yes—be wise. Walk faithfully. Listen well. Care deeply. Speak graciously. Boldly proclaim. And stay prayed up. Walk in wisdom and trust that He will use your words for His glory.
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