Since we are the salt of the earth – we need to develop the skill of starting spiritual conversations. Matthew 5:13 says:
¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.   Colossians 4:6

So we are encouraged by Jesus and Paul to be the salt of the earth – actually it’s more of a command and a declaration – You are the salt!

One of my favorite tools, is asking people if I can pray for them right now as I notice obvious needs – physical or emotional. Many people will say yes and be open to prayer. I try to practice this as I walk around my neighborhood and shop.

Another tool I love to use is asking people about their name, asking them if they know the meaning or a story connected to their name. This has opened up several doors for me recently. Many people have biblical names but may not know the stories that mention that name in the Bible.

I am also very interested in where people are from and asking questions about their culture. Recently, I have asked people what traditions in their culture they have about food on special holidays. It’s good to start with something like this and then move to something deeper.

We all need to be led by the Spirit of God when we are out in public. It’s easy to talk with taxi drivers since we are all inside a car together, and we have their attention. We have had many meaningful conversations with taxi drivers that have led to praying for them for many things including healing for family members.

Yesterday, I met a young man whose name was Ismael. I asked him if he knew the story about his name from the Bible. I notice people love to talk about themselves and it’s easy for them to talk about their name. I was surprised to learn his family was from Mexico and his background is Christian.

I have even started asking homeless people to tell me their story. I just talk to them casually and then ask if I can pray for them about whatever problem they share with me about. Showing love and acceptance is a powerful tool to open the hearts of people to be touched by God. I met a believer from Iraq the other day and assured him of God’s love for him.

Recently, I went to the bank and met with a banker to close an account. I asked him where he is from. He said he is from Mexico. Suddenly I remembered a story about a boy in a high school class of mine in Georgia who was also from Mexico. When I asked when he same to the US, he shared that when he was 14, his family climbed over the fence. When I told the banker this story, he leaned forward and whispered “when I was ten my brother and I crossed a river.” He poured out his heart about how he is the only sibling who has gone to college and how most of his family are selling illegal drugs. He even shared about the need to forgive his father for not emphasizing education with the family. I told him how much God loves him and that God is the one who brought him here and helped him finish college and get a good job.. I encouraged him about God’s acceptance and love for him.

So let’s encourage one another to let our conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone!  (Colossians 4:6)

How are you doing? How can you be a blessing to the people you meet each day? Try out some new tools and touch people around you this week!