I remember being taught that as Christians we should have soft hearts, thick skins, sharp minds, gentle tongues. This came up in our Bible study during the week when we came across these verses:

⁵Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. ⁶Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:5-6

• * Soft hearts: we are to be people that are focussed on people; we are compassionate and caring. We are ready to listen, cry and help in genuine concern for the people God sends us.
• * Thick skins: whenever the gospel is preached there will be negative reactions. People will deride and scoff at the messengers, but we know that we are "God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved" (3:12). Our identity is in Christ, not what others think of us. These barbs just bounce off.
• * Sharp minds: our understanding of the gospel of grace means that we understand our culture. We know why things are as they are. We can comment on the world around us with insight and wisdom. We are on the front foot in describing what is good for the people around us, and where folly will take us.
• * Gentle tongues: when we speak, whether it's to the Prime Minister or our neighbour, the mayor or the homeless man, our speech is characterised by gentleness and humility. We speak in ways that maintain relationship.

Thick skin, soft heart, sharp mind, gentle tongue. In the past I've found this a helpful phrase to ensure I don't become bitter and harsh, but that I also don't become a pushover or water down the truth. Do you think it's a good description of the way we should "act towards outsiders"?