Harsh words from teachers have killed the spirit of children, their future, and their careers. Unreasonable parents use words that demotivate children. Yet, others build up, uphold, encourage, empower, equip, and upskill others with their words. The ideal woman described in Proverbs has this quality. “She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.” (Proverbs 31:26) Christians are expected and called to speak kind words always in all circumstances.
Rude and selfish: Sadly, many use words that are harsh and rude and demonstrate their selfishness. Indeed, selfish people cannot be kind. Apostle James warns that the unrestrained tongue can spark destruction like that of a forest fire. (James 3:5-6) Through kind speech, a disciple is a testimony and model in the world.
Wisdom: Kind words mean wise words. It is not possible to control and manage tongues with human effort. There is a need for wisdom that is from above: But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17) Disciples ought to open their mouths to speak wisdom from God and Scripture.
Compassion: Disciples should speak words of compassion. The words should comfort those who are sick and sinful. Such words are like a balm that heals those who are emotionally hurt, mentally disturbed, and spiritually down. Kind words bring life, but cruel words crush a person’s spirit and even destroy dignity. (Proverbs 15:4) People are anxious and stressed out; kind words cheer them up. (Proverbs 12:25)
Instructional tool: Kind words are an instructional tool that teaches, trains, mentors, and coaches’ children, youth, and adults. Pleasant words are persuasive; wise people use them for a constructive purpose. (Proverbs 16:21)
Voice: Christians’ voice should benefit the community. Kind words are like honey. They are sweet to the soul and healthy for the body. (Proverbs 16:24) Hence, Christian presence with kind words blesses a community. Today, rash, vulgar, filthy, obscene, and curse words have been normalized in society.
Do I express kindness in my words and actions?