The ABCs of God's Love Letter: Salt

Welcome to
​The ABCs of God's Love Letter
25 Weeks. 25 Writers!

We will use the alphabet as an acrostic and study topics like: Abide, Beloved, Calling, Delight, Endure, Faithful, Garment, Hunger, Increase, Justice, Kindness, Light, Manna, Name, Ordain, Path, Quench, Ransom, Salt, Testify, Upright, Vanity, Wait, Yield, and Zeal.

Every week, we’ll discover a different topic. Each topic is accompanied by five Scripture verses—one for each weekday. The Bible study has a page for each verse. Those spaces will invite you to write the verses out and journal what you’ve learned.

Every time I read God’s Word I learn something new. I also find that Scripture writing really helps me meditate, and as I meditate, God always shows me just what I need for that day—it’s AMAZING!

​I pray you’ll join us and learn new and exciting things too from His Word.

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​​This Week We're Looking at Salt

God’s Word truly never returns void. It’s not uncommon for me to read a passage of Scripture dozens of times and still glean something new. I suppose this was our Creator’s intention after all, and I know that I will never come anywhere near fully understanding the wisdom of Its pages this side of Heaven. 

I’ll be honest and say that the topic of “salt” isn’t one that I’ve delved into very deeply in years past. But God makes a point to reference this subject several times, so taking the time to learn more of its purpose, meaning, and historical context is more than worth it. ​

What exactly comes to mind when you hear the word “salt”?

• A savory home-cooked meal?
• Relaxing Epsom salt bath?
• Snowplows hard at work after freshly fallen snow? 

We have many unique uses for salt here in our contemporary culture, but have you ever wondered if its use in Scripture may encompass an entirely different meaning?

The topic of “salt” appears more than 35 times throughout the Bible. Although at times it is referring to the addition of flavor, it is most often used as a reference to preservation. Those living in Biblical times didn’t have the luxury of refrigerators, freezers, and chemical preservatives. They needed salt to preserve their food or it would quickly spoil.  ​

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.” (Matthew 5:13)

This verse follows the “Beatitudes” where Jesus spoke to the crowds teaching them the characteristics and blessings of genuine believers.  ​

Mōranthē is the Greek word used in the original text to explain the idea of “salt losing its taste.” Its literal meaning is “to become foolish.” If we, as believers, aren’t doing our job of preserving the world by sharing the hope of Christ, then we are simply foolish and worth nothing. Strong words, but a necessary depiction.

“Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50)

If we think of preservation in terms of qualities we can easily understand this to mean that we must bear fruit. A genuine decision to follow Christ results in love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, etc. that wasn’t there before. ​

“Can both freshwater and saltwater flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water. Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” (James 3:11-13)

James’ contrasts, here again, demonstrate the heart change that should naturally take place within a believer. Our good works do not save us but should be a result of our decision to live for God and not ourselves.

“But Lot's wife, behind him, looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.” (Genesis 19:26)

The account of Lot’s wife is one of the most well-known passages of salt in the Bible, but likely also one of the most misunderstood. 

God, in His mercy, was offering protection from certain destruction for Lot and his family if they were willing to leave behind a city of sin. Lot’s wife’s decision to look back on her beloved city revealed that her heart was still in Sodom. She had no desire to leave her old life behind. 

​The salt that was meant to preserve did just that. It preserved future generations from being contaminated by the sin of two evil cities. ​​

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” (Colossians 4:6)

There’s a reason that God instructs us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry (James 1:19). Our words can cut deeply when they’re not filtered through the love of Christ. May our words to others be edifying and gracious in a way that enhances their understanding of who God is. 

Believer, you were created to be salt. Go into all the world and preach the Gospel! Be a light. And don’t ever lose your saltiness.

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Tabatha is a stay at home and homeschool mom of two sweet kiddos and one lovable pitbull named Lucy, just trying to stay focused on what truly matters in life. She married her best friend nine years ago and doing life together has been a wonderful journey. A few of her favorites include: hiking with her family, cooking, working out, cuddling with her dog, and all things peanut butter. For more information please visit her blog A Joy Fueled Journey where she talks about motherhood, faith, and healthy living. You can also connect with her via Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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​​The ABCs of God's Love Letter Scripture Memory Cards

The ABCs of God's Love Letter Bible Study is accompanied by a collection of 25 5 X 5 Scripture Memory Cards. We'll utilize this great tool to help us memorize a Scripture verse once a week that goes with the topic we're studying that week. Hiding God's Word in our heart is so important!

These square press prints are printed on thick, high-quality, matte art paper and include a small white border. They are available here in our Etsy shop. But WAIT, there's more! Just for you —> ​Use code SAVE50 at checkout for 50% OFF your entire order. FREE SHIPPING on orders $35 or more, otherwise, shipping is just $2.00, as always! ​

CHECK OUT THESE SCRIPTURE MEMORY CARDS

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What does Salt mean to you?