For most of my life, I have pretty much been a straight shooter. What you see, and what you hear, is generally what you get. I don’t tend to mince too many words. Politics, even the social - “let’s not hurt anyone’s feelings” - sort, are not really my strength. This can be a tremendous strength and it can be a tremendous weakness - all at the same time.
We should, as followers of Christ, be very careful in how we speak. Words mean things - and they carry with them a tremendous amount of power - and an ability to build up and heal wounds - or to tear down and inflict wounds.
My encouragement to you all, and to myself: be kind in what you say and how you say it, and love one another. Because you may never see the damage that is wrought by careless words, gossip and slander.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. “ - Galatians 5:22-26