We live in a time in which conversation is increasingly coarse, and there is a diminishing capacity to disagree agreeably.
When you disagree with someone, ask yourself, “Do I only want to state my view and if possible, change your view?” Or, “Do I want to hurt you, demean and damage you with my words?
Do you refer to people with whom you disagree as “of that ilk,” a disparaging way of associating them with some group you disapprove of?
Now is the time for us to take the words of Ephesians seriously, “Do not let ANY unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but ONLY what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Building people means using words and tones of voice in ways that make your point yet respect the Imago Dei, the image of God, in them!
Do your words give grace to those who hear? Ephesians 4:49
Do your words put people on their feet? Job 4:4
Let your answer be “yes” and be that person of grace!
