Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person. Colossians 4:6 (ESV)
Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10 (ESV)
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12:18 (ESV)
During this political season in the US and in many parts of the world, negative and divisive rhetoric, language, and discourse is constantly on display. Unfortunately, many of the conversations, attitudes, and behaviors, cause our Father in Heaven to be appalled, ashamed, and disappointed in His children. People can be crude and mean-spirited, seeking to bring others down with their words and actions, in order to lift themselves up. At times, we will not agree politically, socially/economically, on religion, and the list can go on. We will encounter those who live lives that differ from other groups of people throughout the world. It does not mean one group is better than the other, it just means they are different. And despite some differences (most people won’t admit it but, there are more similarities at times than there are differences) we should all be able to handle ourselves around each other showing integrity, dignity, and respect.
The definition of civil discourse calls for civility in discussing topics that are of the general public’s interest. However, God expects us to not only be civil in public or while dealing with public matters but, we should also display civility in all of our actions and at all times. He wants His children to interact in a kind and respectful way. God knows that we will not fully agree on various topics however, that does not mean we are to behave in a negative and degrading manner toward one another.
In this difficult time we are living in, I pray and encourage everyone to seek to behave as if God Himself were physically standing next to you. We must realize that even though we may not see God physically, He sees and hears all that we say and do. May we seek to pray, study His word daily, and ask God’s Holy Spirit to help us in our day-to-day interactions with others. May we all strive to have civil discourse with others that will make our Father in Heaven very proud.
Blessings,
Angélique 💐
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