You can learn a lot in Facebook discussion groups. I am a member of several groups that discuss religion and theology. Many people are kind and truthful, looking for serious discussion. Then there are those who just want to espouse their own opinions without give and take. And as much as I hate to admit it, I have been on both sides of the conversation. But I have learned (and am learning) that kindness is the key to communication. In fact, that is exactly what the Bible teaches.

• A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger – Proverbs 15:1
• With gentleness correcting those in opposition – 2 Timothy 2:25
• Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness – Proverbs 16:21
• Do not let kindness and truth leave you…and you will find favor with man – Proverbs 3:3
• Always be ready to give an answer…but with gentleness and reverence – 1 Peter 3:15

With all these admonitions, how could a Christian be prone toward unkindness. It should be the opposite. We should lead the way in this beautiful virtue, kindness. We should be known by our fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. It is then that we will be the light of the world and the salt of the earth. I am afraid we have lost much of our saltiness – even amongst ourselves.

This became evident to me several months back when I began debating a Facebook friend, thinking I was answering a post in a discussion forum. Instead, I had challenged my friend’s Facebook status – and not in a spirit of love. I was intent upon engaging in a debate.  Once I realized what I had done, I apologized and reflected.

Whether this person was a friend, a common member in a discussion forum, or a telemarketer – they deserved more respect than I had shown by the manner I had challenged them. Kindness had left me. I was not gentle. I was brash.

Brashness, harshness stirs up anger. Gentleness turns it away.

Truth is equally important as kindness. But if truth is communicated in such a way that it stirs up anger, the listener will only have fingers in their ears. Sweetness of speech on the other hand, increases persuasiveness.

Kindness has the power to cure the tempers of the soul when truth leads the way.

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Scripture quotations taken from the NASB.

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© 2017 Mischelle Sandowich
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