Long ago I gave up watching sports pregame and talk shows. Lately I’ve stopped watching the news on television. Why? Because it bothers me to hear so called experts constantly criticizing others. It doesn’t matter what side of the political spectrum you are on, each side is seeking to bring the the other side down. We cannot build a great country in this way.
We cannot build strong families in this way either. If we are constantly criticizing other family members we discourage them while irritating ourselves. Kind, uplifting words have far greater power to build the kind of family that we desire.
Jesus’ first disciples and apostles understood this. Paul encouraged the brethren to be kind and tenderhearted toward one another (Ephesians 4:32). In Romans he went a step further by saying, “So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.” Just think what our families would be like if we practiced these words. Just think what our country would be like if our leaders and we practiced these words!
Reluctant Retiree 