Words

It is election season once again. The political ads dominate the media. My observation is that the accusations and meanness seems to be increasing with each new campaign. Rather than using positive words about the candidate’s plans, politicians are choosing to criticize, not just the policies of their opposition, but also the character of the opponent. They don’t seem to attempt to promote unity and hope. How does this help the country heal and move forward?

I am afraid that this style of talking has moved to the personal level as well. The news programs frequently tell us stories of irate fast food customers verbally assaulting workers. We see reports of out of control anger directed toward service people, car drivers, and passing pedestrians all the time. Often these people are using language not suitable for public consumption. The name, Karen, has been derogatorily designated for this type of person.

However, even in our quieter and more serene moments we often use words that hurt others, intentionally or not. I am sometimes guilty of using sarcasm to make a point, only to find out later that I had hurt the feelings of someone. I am not talking about the feelings of the ultrasensitive cancel culture. I am talking about how we interact with each other in private moments.

The words we choose are important and can have a negative or positive impact upon others. Proverbs 15:5 puts it like this;”A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but perversion in it crushes the spirit.” Let us all be more uplifting and considerate in the words we speak.