A Moment With Pastor Fred

Kindness. I think it’s the missing virtue of our age. Years ago, a stranger in a parking lot had to comment about the size of one of our pregnant daughters. He wasn’t just unkind. He was rude. Uncaring. I am sure he had no clue. He was unaware how hurtful he was.

But unkindness isn’t just found with the unbeliever. Believers can be unkind too. An unsolicited comment at church. Uninvited advice by a friend.  The reality is the comment or advice just isn’t kind. Some people say, “Well, I just speak my mind.”  Yes, that’s the problem. You shouldn’t. Proverbs 12:18, There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts; 13:3, Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin; 21:23, Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

The trouble is most people who have this problem don’t see it in themselves. In other words, re-read the verses above and ask yourself, “Is that me?”  We are often blind to our own sins and faults. So maybe ask a spouse, a trusted friend about this tendency. Ask God to help you think before you speak. “Is this really necessary to say?” Proverbs 17:27, Whoever restrains his words has knowledge. Ask yourself, “Is this kind?” Proverbs 15:28, The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer. 

God desires our words to edify – not tear down. Let us use our speech to glorify him.  May our words be good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear, Eph 4:29.