When is the best time to tell others the Word of God? Some believe that it is effective to go and stand on the corner of a street shouting and singing the message, or it is preferred to go and make house-calls. Others like to share, everywhere, flyers or buttons with as many as possible, or they will start unsolicited discussions with any one conveniently available. Is that commendable and wise? No, not usually. Normally, it is best to pass-on the word as an answer to a question. Are you not being asked, keep silent. But are you being asked – then that is the clue to speak! It's that simple.
Paul writes in Colossians 4:5,6 that we should take advantage of a proper opportunity to speak the Word. He also indicates, when the "opportunity" arises, to be "perceiving how you must answer each one." How often are we not being asked about who we are, what we believe, what is important to us, our choices (like profiles in the social media), our opinion, our behaviour, etc. Each of these are excellent opportunities to share the Good News and "the expectation in us" (1Pet.3:15)! These are not occasions to ask anything of others, leave alone, to condemn them, but to let them share in our joy… "at all times in grace"!
5 In wisdom be walking toward those outside,
reclaiming the era,
6 your word being always with grace,
seasoned with salt,
perceiving how you must answer each one.
Paul in Colossians 4
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Translation: Peter Feddema
