"Say what you mean...but don't say it mean."
When I first read this quote, I quietly acknowledged its truth. Yet the more I considered it, the more it meant to me. Raised a southern gal, I was taught the importance of being truthful yet always, always, always...respectful....with gentleness.
In my part of the south, we have two ways of saying "Bless your heart." One is a very sweet, "honey, my heart absolutely, positively and continually goes out to your precious heart" version which delivers encouragement, compassion, understanding and empathy. The other version is a very concerned, alarming delivery of some type such as "honey, you may want to reconsider that because you are making a huge mistake which you will, undoubtedly, regret the rest of your everlasting life." How does one know the difference? If you're southern, you know the difference. If you are not southern, you learn the difference.
Truth is desperately needed in this world. However, being truthful is not a license to degrade or humiliate others. Certainly we must stand firm for truth even if it isn't easy or popular. Yet it saddens me that while we often feel strongly obligated to share truth, we frequently treat others with blatant, destructive, total disrespect. Obviously this causes countless heartaches, divisions and damage.
Gentleness makes a difference. Gentleness keeps hearts open. Gentleness reflects Him.
May we mean what we say...say what we mean...but never, ever...say it mean. After all, it's wonderful to bless someone's heart...gently and respectfully.♥~thl
"Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near." Philippians 4: 5
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