Words…seasoned with salt!
Pleasant words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. — Proverbs 16:24
Last Friday was a whirlwind! I squeezed in a workshop, a radio interview, and then back to the workshop with a virtual meeting in between–all in one day.
By the end, I was running on fumes to meet a friend's event. After a long walk, I finally found a bike to get me there.
Reaching the venue, I pointed to the left side of the road, "Drop me here," I said. But the rider stopped on the opposite side. Exhausted and dreading crossing the busy street, I explained I needed to be on the other side. He got grumpy and muttered under his breath. I apologised, but he continued, "Are you a baby? Why didn't you tell me where to stop?" I forced a smile, paid him, and walked away.
Being so drained, I knew I couldn't let his negativity ruin my night. Staying positive and avoiding a fight was the best choice.
Later that evening, a friend tweeted these words: “It’s easy to tell people not to internalise harsh words spoken to them, particularly during arguments, but we often forget how impactful these words can be.”
Aside from my experience with the bike man, the tweet reminded me of another situation – the Vatican's statement on blessings for non-marital relationships, including same-sex couples, late last year.
As someone who frequently discusses Catholic teachings, I received a flurry of questions, especially because some media reports suggested that the Church was endorsing gay marriage. This wasn't the case. Catholic liturgy has a specific language, and "blessing" doesn't equate to "nuptial blessing."
One person who reached out was particularly abrasive. They had used disrespectful language towards my faith in the past. Despite their negativity, I attempted to clarify the issue. However, after that interaction, I decided future religious discussions with them wouldn't be productive anymore.
Sometimes, I randomly remember the incident and how it subtly distanced me from that acquaintance.
Have you ever been on either side or both?
Our backgrounds and beliefs shape our perspectives, and disagreements are inevitable. But how we communicate those differences is crucial.
As Colossians 4:6 reminds us, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Ephesians 4:29 echoes this: “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build up the one in need and bring grace to those who listen.”
Even in Christian apologetics, Paul emphasizes “gentleness and respect” (Cf 1 Peter 3:15).
Social media amplifies this challenge. We’re bombarded with opinions and conversations, each vying for our attention. Our response matters.
Take a video I saw last night. A pastor publicly rebuked a woman for supposed "false testimony." Without verification or compassion, he labelled her a “liar” and illiterate. My heart ached for the woman. Imagine having your truth dismissed so harshly. Fueling the fire, the video spread like wildfire, laced with negativity from various social media users.
Before I started writing this letter, I saw that the woman wasn’t lying.
Even with an apology, the initial sting of those words remains. When we find ourselves in the pastor’s shoes, we need to learn to be gentle and gracious, allowing our words to be seasoned with salt. Sometimes, a smile and silence can be a good filler.
It’s a new week, slow down with your words.
Pleasant words are a honeycomb,
Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.
— Proverbs 16:24
Let’s pray: Set a guard over my mouth, Lord; keep watch over the door of my lips.
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I wrote the newsletter in silence.
📖 Current Read: The pathway to leadership by Gbile Akanni.
Someone once said I let people getaway especially when they insult my dignity. There's a thousand and one answer to such situations but I know the scars words have caused in my life, wouldn't want to be the hate I give.