Irresponsibility Epidemic - Part 2

I know that respecting an irresponsible person is the exact opposite of what we are familiar with, but Colossians 4:6 challenges us to let our conversation always be full of grace and seasoned with salt. Since grace is favor that we receive even though we don’t deserve it, this scripture implies that how we treat others is not to be based on what we feel they deserve; especially since all of us have come short of God’s glory. This means that the only thing any of us deserves is death, hell, and the grave.

Too often we feel comfortable devaluing others because of their irresponsible behavior. Just like a $100 bill does not decrease in value because it has been handled by people with dirty hands and then stepped on, likewise the value of irresponsible people before God is not lessened because of their irresponsibility. And since we know that salt contains properties that preserve, enhance, and melt we are challenged by this scriptural instruction to make certain that our conversation and behavior does all it can to preserve the relationship without the ungodly tools of manipulation and pacification, enhance the relationship by choosing to only speak those things that edify (see Ephesians 4:29), all the while warming their hearts by the consistent expression of the Fruit of the Spirit; especially gentleness and kindness. Doing these things will cause us to increase in maturity as we walk with God. But don't forget, asking our Heavenly Father to empower us to embrace these truths as we obey His Word - is a must.