Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. (Colossians 4:2-6)

Do you pray for opportunities to share Christ?

Why?

Because He saved us, we love Him, and we are so thankful.

Why not?

Sometimes we are just too busy. Many of us have forgotten what it was like to be lost without Christ. Some people say that they don't know how to share Christ with someone else. I believe it is often more of a heart issue than a "know how" issue. If we really love the lost and care about them, we'll share what Christ has done in our lives with them. It is important that we tell of our experience, but we must also use God's word so that people will base their salvation on God's word, not our experience.

This passage in Colossians tells us, "Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside." We must always be aware of the fact that lost people are watching all that we say and do. What is your life witness saying: in your home, where you live, where you work, and in your dealing with businesses? Think about how your actions, attitudes and decisions affect unbelievers.

"Let your speech also be with grace." Be careful about the way you talk. Sometimes the things that come out of our mouth are like fresh and salt water. We talk about God and Church, but also say things that are offensive. Do we communicate God's grace and mercy and love, or are we critical, angry judgmental, and impatient?

Do we communicate God's grace and mercy and love?
The last part of this passage says, "Know how you ought to answer each one." According to 1 Peter 3:15, we must, "Worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if you are asked about your Christian hope, always be ready to explain it. But you must do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear."

This is Paul's three point plan for us:

Walk wisely with those outside God's family: make sure your life influences others toward God.

Choose your words carefully: make sure what others hear from you are consistent with your faith.

Know how to answer everyone: let Christ be your focus and his example be your guide.