According to Wikipedia "Salt is a necessity of life and was is a mineral that was has been used since ancient times in many cultures as a seasoning, a preservative, a disinfectant, a component of ceremonial offerings, and as a unit of exchange."
In the bible, Jesus teaches us to be the SALT and light of the earth. Matthew 5:13-16 reads:
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
As a Christian counselor that upholds the role of “casting salt and light”, I have seen how individuals who are raw with sores are affected by this salt on their wounded hearts.
Just as salt can be received as a blessing, a light, or a “seasoning” by one individual, it can also be received with pain and cause one to flee or recoil in response.
While Jesus has instructed me/us to be salt of the earth, the enemy attempts to diminish this gift by whispering doubtful words like “you should have kept those words (or that salt and light) to yourself. However, Jesus uses me/us as messengers to deliver salt and light, and to not keep it hidden until it loses its taste or is useless.
As mentioned above, salt is also a disinfectant. At times, a disinfectant that is meant to cleanse and restore may indeed sting in the healing process. Sometimes, Jesus will instruct us to cast salt without knowing what the response will be; But by fulfilling His instruction to do so, the purpose for good is served regardless.
I do not always know or understand the needs of individuals as I am instructed to cast salt and light, but it is always cast from a place of love that is instilled by Jesus. My role is not to judge, but rather relay salt as a messenger for Jesus.
The next time you are cooking and reach for the salt shaker, I hope you remember that salt is very important in life as well. Remember, that sweet baked goods often always call for a pinch of salt to bring out the best flavor. The salt actually reveals the sweetness more. We definitely need more salt to reveal sweetness in this world!