A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. – Proverbs 15: 1

Someone once shared with me that it’s better to pay closer attention to the words a person says rather than the tone in which they’re saying them in. 

Her rationale was – if we practice being less sensitive, we can accept truth in any form that it’s thrown at us.

And although I do see a lot of value in that theory for the person on the receiving end of the vitriol, it’s simply neither wise nor beneficial for the person who’s dishing it out.

God called us all to love one another, so we have to prioritize speaking to each other in a loving and understanding way. 

We always have to be mindful that others are doing the best they can in life and that they behave and think in accordance with their life experiences and upbringing.

So if we have some insight to share or an answer to give, we should give it compassionately because 1) We probably don’t understand things as well as we think we do anyway, and 2) We wouldn’t appreciate others hurting us with their words.

When we speak lovingly, we gain respect and build lasting alliances with others.  When we speak harshly, we burn bridges, cause others not to value what we say, and we make enemies. 

It’s as simple as that.

So we must always sweeten our words because we will catch way more flies with honey than we do with vinegar!

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, please guide my tongue and tone when I interact with others. Help me to emanate the love and grace of Christ when I speak, so that others will see my light and praise you in heaven. If I have spoken to someone in a way that has been displeasing to you, please forgive me as I forgive those who have hurt me with their words. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.