When we talk to people who believe differently than us, do we think before we speak? Author and internationally known public speaker Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is joining me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly to share practical ideas for speaking the truth in love.
Being nice is easy. It’s how we act toward someone with whom we share common ground. Kindness requires something deeper. Kindness engages in civil dialogue with others even though they hold different religious beliefs, social values, or political viewpoints. When we act out of genuine kindness, we hold to our convictions, yet season our words with grace. It empowers us to have conversation instead of debate, to respect other people, and to treat them as human equals.
Dr. Emerson Eggerichs says before we speak to someone or share our thoughts on social media we should ask, “Is it”:
- True? Our trustworthiness depends on our truthfulness. Truth helps people, so we must have the courage to speak it.
- Kind? People respond positively to kindness. Good communication demonstrates who we are, who the other person is, and who God is.
- Necessary? If those around us intentionally communicate what is untrue, unkind, unnecessary, or unclear, it may be necessary to correct, kindly confront, or bring clarity to the matter.
- Clear? Most often, communication breakdowns among people of goodwill are due to an honest misunderstanding.
James 3:8-10 says, “…no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.”
We may not be able to tame the tongue, but Dr. Eggerichs has sage advice for developing a deeper understanding with others and, ultimately, fostering a more civil society for us all.