A Message of Hope

Today I read a news story that quoted one politician who pretended to take the moral high road by saying,  “I’m not going to get into a name-calling match with someone who has a 9 percent approval rating,” and then went on to refer to the object of his disdain as an “attack dog.”

Ever done that?  “I’m not going to call names,” and then proceed to do so.  I’m sure I have.  Or, “I’m only telling this because I’m concerned.”  Or, “You might want to pray about this … .”   Or any of the countless ways that I slide in a verbal dig to build myself up or put someone else down.  (Aren’t they they the same thing?)

The Bible has a lot to say about our words.  Among the most helpful is James 1:19, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to become angry…” (TNIV). 

“I don’t want to call names…,” then don’t.
“I don’t want to gossip…,” then don’t.
“I don’t want to hurt your feelings…,” then don’t.

Quick to listen.  Slow to speak.  No name calling.