Read chapter in full: www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+4&version=ESV

 

Colossians Chapter 4 (ESV)

Before you begin today’s reading and reflection, take a few minutes to create or find a “sacred space”. If you’re in your room, make yourself a small space with as few distractions as possible. Put aside any books, music, magazines; turn off your phone; get away from your email/facebook; turn off your music; etc.

 Now, pull out your Bible, and as you take some deep breaths, pray this short prayer: “Lord, help me be still and listen to your voice now and throughout this day and the next. Amen.”

(You can choose to read the whole chapter, or just the passage that is shown)

 

² Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. ³ 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—⁴ that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

⁵ Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ⁶ Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.

 

Reflection

1. Chapter in a Glance: In this last chapter, Paul shows that witnessing involves prayer, living and speaking. His closing greetings illustrate many ways Christians help and encourage each other.
2. Expressing Christ in our lives is vital to an effective witness. But it is not enough.  The gospel is a message delivered in words, and authenticated by life.  Both word and life must be shared and accompanied by fervent prayers before the Lord.
3. How well are you in sharing the gospel? Which do you need to improve (in word or life) to become more effective in advancing the gospel?
4. Use verses 3-4 to pray for yourself, your church leaders and missionaries. Ask God to make you aware of every opportunity to encourage nonbelievers to consider Jesus.

Family Time (Begin this time by reading the passage above using a children’s Bible. If your children are younger, you may read vv5-6 only.)

Does your conversation reflect a Christ-like life? How you respond to others can help or hurt your witness. Paul said that our conversation should be “full of grace”. As a family, role-play these situations: your friend at school calls you an unflattering name; your neighbor criticizes your child’s behavior; your co-worker blasts your report. How does a Christian reply?

Proverbs for Today 23:1-4

¹ When you sit down to eat with a ruler,
    observe carefully what is before you,
² and put a knife to your throat
    if you are given to appetite.
³ Do not desire his delicacies,
    for they are deceptive food.
⁴ Do not toil to acquire wealth;
    be discerning enough to desist.