Our words of kindness

[Debp]

This is a verse I always remember when I sometimes run into unkind words on some Christian forums.

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

I think Christians should be kind. There is a lot of pain in the world and maybe someone needs our kindness.   We never know what our words might do for someone, both unbelievers and believers.

 

[AnOrangeCat]

I agree, but it should go beyond words when needed. James 2:16, part of the "faith without works is dead" passage has this to say: "If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?"

I went through a period of being destitute, distressed, and on the verge of homelessness and was walking miles to churches with a fairly agonizing back problem. I got a lot of kind words. When I came across a church whose pastor took the time to pray with me and offered me a ride home it meant the world to me. I'm definitely remembering him as long as my earthly memory permits.

[Debp]

I learned the following verse (verse 1) as a child in Sunday School.   For some reason, it always stuck with me.

1A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.   Proverbs 15:1-2.

[Alive]

Amen sister. This is a good word.

[Vine Abider]

5 hours ago, Debp said:

This is a verse I always remember when I sometimes run into unkind words on some Christian forums.

There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword,
But the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18

I think Christians should be kind. There is a lot of pain in the world and maybe someone needs our kindness.   We never know what our words might do for someone, both unbelievers and believers.

 

It's so true! As we go about things on this forum, or any online medium, it can be easy to forget that there's a living/breathing person on the other side.  This is someone whom our Lord gave His life for!  And regardless of what the person is saying, we don't often know the background of why they are speaking harshly, lashing out or otherwise misbehaving. We all have an enemy (and the flesh), and other human beings are not our enemy - they are just people living in this cesspool of a world we find ourselves temporarily in.

"With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love;  Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."  (Eph 4:2 & Col 3:13)

🎵Grace, Grace, God's Grace. Grace that is Greater . . .🎵

[Alive]

Yup and Amen. This is a good opportunity to express this; this is why when a member gets a little heavy, its good to gently mention it in public (at times) or in a friendly PM. SOme folks are just used to a different way and aren't fully aware of the TOS and its intent...being for the good of all. So that all who come here can have a good experience.

[Neighbor]

4 hours ago, Debp said:

I learned the following verse (verse 1) as a child in Sunday School.   For some reason, it always stuck with me.

1A soft answer turns away wrath,
But a harsh word stirs up anger.
2The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly,
But the mouth of fools pours forth foolishness.   Proverbs 15:1-2.

Hi, And there is always the option  of silence, just not taking the bait at all. 

[Debp]

11 hours ago, Neighbor said:

Hi, And there is always the option  of silence, just not taking the bait at all. 

I totally agree with that.   Sometimes people just want to draw you into an argument.

[Debp]

On 7/15/2023 at 8:49 AM, Vine Abider said:

And regardless of what the person is saying, we don't often know the background of why they are speaking harshly, lashing out or otherwise misbehaving.

That's so true.   It's best to turn the other cheek.   Keep loving one another as the Lord taught us to do.

Another  good verse that helps in these kinds of situations...

who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously - 1 Peter 2:23.

 

[Debp]

Some more good instruction to remember for behavior on forums as well as in actual life.

Colossians 3:12-14

12Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.