Responding with hope

Let your speech always be with grace, . . . that you may know how you ought to answer each one.           — Colossians 4:6

When the people in Colorado Springs, Colorado, learned that Jed Jackson, a popular local TV sportscaster, was losing his battle with cancer, they sent thousands of e-mails, letters, and cards to him. In response to the outpouring of encouragement, Jed wrote an article that was printed on the front page of the newspaper the day after his death. In it he said:

“It has been my sincere privilege to serve this wonderful community, which has given me so much in return. The Lord has blessed my life in every possible way. He has given me my wife of 19 years, my three splendid children, and more friends than a man should be allowed to have. I am overwhelmed by the kind regards so many of you have sent. Truly, my cup runneth over. Never forget that, with Jesus, the best is yet to come.”

As he spoke of his hope in Christ, Jed modeled what the apostle Paul had challenged every Christian to do: “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside . . . . Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:5-6).

Each day, we are to yield ourselves fully to Jesus, so that we may live wisely and respond graciously to others about the One who gives us the assurance of eternal life.            — David McCasland

Oh, make me, Lord, so much like Thee,

My life controlled by power divine,

That I a shining light may be

From which Thy grace may ever shine.                                                 — Robertson

READ: Colossians 4:2-6

A Christlike life can be a message of hope to a searching world.

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 33-36

The Bible in one year:

• Jeremiah 33-36