Why yes…yes I did.
Christian, do us all a favor and shut up once in a while.
I know, I know, what you’re saying is important. I understand that you’re just speaking Truth, telling it the way it is. And I completely support the message, but, do you ever stop and listen to yourself?
Last week I wrote about speaking Truth and not letting the world shut you up, and I stand by what I wrote, but…at the same time, I gotta say, sometimes I think we Christians love the sound of our own voice more than we love other people.
We want to be right. We want to be heard. Regardless of how rude, or angry, or offensive we come off sounding, the only thing that matters is that we spoke the Truth. And then we get mad because the world tells us to take a hike. So I’ll say it again…please just shut up.
Take a moment to look at it from the other person’s point of view. Are your words kind? Are they loving? Are they designed to help lead others to Christ, or are you speaking just to score a point? Can the world see Christ by the words that come out of your mouth, or is your ego getting in the way?
Colossians 4:6 says this…“Be pleasant and hold their interest when you speak the message. Choose your words carefully and be ready to give answers to anyone who asks questions.” (CEV)
Basically, the Bible is telling you to be nice to people.
Be nice when you speak, choose your words carefully, don’t just spit out the first thought that runs through your mind. Treat people with respect, even if they don’t agree with you. Weigh your words carefully. Don’t use Truth as a weapon. Think before you say a word, or type a response on social media. Ask yourself if what you’re about to say will help, or hinder, the situation. And sometimes, yes, it’s better to just shut up.
We must put others first in all things, including how we talk, because that’s what Jesus would do.
My mother used to have a saying…if you don’t have anything nice to say then don’t say anything at all. And that, dear Christian, is the whole point.