Respecting all people, respecting where they are \u2014 recognizing each of us are in different places and spaces \u2014 regardless of faith perspective, many of us follow biblical teachings\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At the very least, we have adopted the above as wise moral measures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In light of the current corona crud \u2014 and how it seems to have brought out the best and the worst in us, often in surprising ways in surprising people \u2014 I was struck by a new teaching this week:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDo not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve dwelled on such before. As an advocate for respectful dialogue, if we did not practice the teaching, our integrity would be in obvious question. However, there was one embedded phrase that stood out to me this week, as I contrast the teaching with a culture which doesn\u2019t always seem very moral and wise to me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It wasn\u2019t the idea of unwholesome \u2014 and I speak not of a vulgar or more coarse vocabulary. I more mean unhelpful\u2026 (I\u2019ve said some pretty embarrassingly, unhelpful things sometimes\u2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n It wasn\u2019t the idea either of saying only that which is helpful for building another up or encouraging them\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n And it wasn\u2019t still surrounding the purpose of the discipline \u2014 that our words would benefit those who hear them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. I was struck by the keen insight in the phrase \u201caccording to <\/em>their<\/em><\/strong> needs.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Stay with me here for a moment\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often do we proclaim to another \u2014 publicly or privately \u2014 \u201cYou need to hear this!?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often do we aver, \u201cI just need to say!?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often do those who lead or want to lead blazon, \u201cThis is for your own good!?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often do we hide behind our social media keyboards, insulated from the inherent wisdom of face-to-face encounters, insisting, \u201cYou don\u2019t know what\u2019s good for you!?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n I suppose we could thus say this a few more ways\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often do we assume we know what\u2019s best for another?<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often am I instead projecting my own persuasion onto him or her?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or perhaps better said\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n How often am I ignoring the wisdom that for what comes out of my mouth to actually benefit another \u2014 whether public or private \u2014 whether via my keyboard or face-to-face \u2014 even behind today\u2019s much-worn masks \u2014 how often do I forget the wisdom that my words should be based \u201caccording to their<\/em> needs\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2026 in other words, not according to mine.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Just another day\u2026 thinking out loud\u2026 always desiring the pursuit of what\u2019s wisest and best\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respectfully\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR Respecting all people, respecting where they are \u2014 recognizing each of us are in different places and spaces \u2014 regardless of faith perspective, many of us follow biblical teachings\u2026 Thou shalt not murder\u2026 Thou shalt not steal\u2026 Love your neighbor\u2026 Care for the poor\u2026 Don\u2019t be selfish\u2026 At the very least, we have adopted the … <\/p>\n
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