"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." (NIV)
What is God saying?
God's followers are to use each opportunity they get to make a good impression on those who do not follow Him. When non-believers inquire as to why believers treat them so well, they are to answer with bland words, but words filled with flavorful grace.
What is God saying to us today?
Sometimes we as Christians can develop the habit of avoiding opportunities to interact with non-believers, instead of looking for ways to interact with them. This is understandable, as most of us feel more comfortable around people with whom we have things in common - especially spiritual beliefs. But when we do interact with non-Christians we often end up treating them poorly - or at least not as good as we might treat other Christians. This really damages not only our reputation as Christians, but it diminishes the power of God's grace, because the outsiders lose interest due to our behavior. No non-believer is going to be interested in anything a Christian has to say - especially about the life-changing power of grace - after the Christian has just cheated, mocked, or abused him/her. But, when we seek out ways to treat non-believers with dignity, compassion, and love, we open doors to share with them words of God's grace!
What is God inviting us to do?
When is the last time you made an intentional effort to interact with others who are outside of your Christian "bubble"? God invites us to deliberately look for ways to be a blessing to that non-Christian coworker, neighbor, classmate, etc. so that they will become interested in Him and His grace.