Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Russell Jurgensen
Thursday, May 9, 2024
This rhododendron bush develops so many fine nearly translucent blossoms it is fun to walk by and be almost surrounded by them. It is like they aim to make their corner of the world so graceful that people have to notice.
Fortunately, it isn’t the only corner of the world like that. That kind of beauty is all around in different ways when we look for it.
It makes me think of the myriads of ways that people can show their love and share their faith. No matter how much we think we know love, we can realize we don’t have a corner on love, and there are always new things to learn. One interesting thing I ran across, is a Bible-based tip for talking with people. It is short but good.
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.
Colossians 4:5-6
I think that contains the basic ingredients for being a likeable person. The grace part covers things like not being judgmental, not making it about myself, and giving the other person a chance to talk with my full attention. The salt part means to go a little out of my way to draw the other person out. Maybe a little exaggeration on the positives to acknowledge what they said. The wise part might mean to not be too overbearing and to know the limits of what is kind and friendly.
As we share our knowledge of Jesus, we can be confident by having an attitude of love that leads to effective pleasant conversation.