Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. It is better to be of a lowly spirit with the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud. Whoever gives thought to the word will discover good, and blessed is he who trusts in the LORD. The wise of heart is called discerning, and sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.
Proverbs 16:18–21, ESV
One of the most common things that I have heard said after people say and do things that cause people to respond negatively to them is, “I’m just stating facts!” The reality is that often the facts are more opinion than fact because of either a complete misinterpretation of information that is more often based on other assumptions not necessarily related to the supporting information or based solely on a bias. Our Lord calls us to be thoughtful and discerning with our words. There are many difficult topics that should be addressed by followers of Christ, but we are called to discern how to address them in a way that would cause one who will be affected by it to listen. Two of the big issues that have been heavily spoken about during my lifetime, which have caused much strife, are the issues of homosexuality and abortion. Both of these issues are contrary to the Word of God, but both of them have also been addressed poorly historically. The reality is that even when addressed in a very thoughtful way, there would still be those that will never be persuaded, yet when we seek to be humble and not seek to elevate ourselves but the Word of God in a thoughtful way, we find that ears will be more open. Hearts will be persuaded, the truth will be proclaimed, and overall peace will be found. Our God is not a God who seeks to create further division. We know that divides will form naturally between those whose hearts are called and those whose hearts are hardened. Our goal is to reach the hearts that are softened with Words that glorify God and reveal the fullness of the truth, that is, the Gospel.
Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.