Salt is a good thing, but if the salt loses its flavor, with what will it be seasoned? Therefore, have salt in yourselves and live in peace with one another.”
Salt preserves from decay and gives flavor. In the same way, the disciples of Christ must have within themselves that spiritual quality that keeps them from the corruption of sin and makes their life useful for others. But if salt loses its flavor, it can no longer serve its purpose. Thus the believer must preserve inner holiness, wisdom, and the living influence of truth. The words “Have salt in yourselves” mean: live with a pure heart, with self-examination, and under the influence of God’s grace. And the command “have peace with one another” is also connected with the teaching of the whole chapter, from the disciples’ disputes about greatness to the dangers of stumbling blocks. Where this “salt” is within a person, there is self-cleansing, humility, and wisdom, and such a heart also brings peace in relationships with others. The disciple of Christ is called to be both purified and a peacemaker, holding to the truth in love.