As believers we know that one of the things we shouldn’t do is lie, however sometimes people use that as excuse to say whatever they like. They feel honesty is the best policy and so whatever comes out of their mouth is justified.
Yet I think there needs to be more consideration taken into the words we are about to speak. Rather than gauging our speech with, “Is this a truth or lie?” we should be considering, “Will this be helpful or hurtful?”
Now please don’t misunderstand me. I am not advocating lying. But it also doesn’t mean we should take license to say things that are going to be damaging to other people.
I have heard some people hurt someone else’s feelings and they respond with, “Well I’m just being honest.” How about the fact that sometimes we don’t need to say anything at all? Sometimes we should just bite our tongues.
If you are the type of person who doesn’t like conflict, this is easy for you. However if you are anything like me, a person who has no problem expressing their opinion, this can be more of a challenge.
I used to be pretty blunt and speak without thinking. I still sometimes fall into that trap but I have been working on this for several years and have made definite progress. I have strong feelings and beliefs and find it difficult sometimes to keep them in.
But as a representative of Jesus Christ, I try to also ask myself, “Is what I am about to say going to be helpful or hurtful?” And if I know it will only be hurtful, I do my best to redirect the conversation or say nothing at all.
Think about your words and whether or not you are speaking words of life or death. Do your words build others up? Or do your words cut them down? Do people feel better after being around you or are they ready to run for the mountains?
Be First to Comment