When I was a child, I remember sage advice from my Mom and my Grandmother. If you cannot say anything nice about someone, keep your pie hole closed. Okay, maybe they did not say pie hole, but the message is very clear. Now, for those who would argue that Disney’s Thumper was the one who first came up with the saying, I would say the writers got it from my Mom. The one thing that we can agree upon with this saying is this; so many of today’s occurrences of strife and break ups come from someone either purposely or unintentionally saying something hurtful. I have seen families break apart because of words. Television shows are, for the most part, based on someone saying something to another that cuts to the bone. Yes, there are those who do not realize what is said is hurtful but, in the mind of the person hurt by the remarks, it does not really matter. There are a couple groups on Facebook that have to do with our community and the remarks are cutting, hurtful and, for many of us, rather embarrassing. To think that people can be so cruel to let fly without regards for those around them is rather insensitive and uncaring. On Facebook there is a like button and a wow button but I would suggest we put a bunny button on there that would denote a hurtful comment and advise them to reflect on Thumper’s wisdom; if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.
In scripture, Paul spoke of this rule and I would suggest
that the foundation for the saying did, in fact, come from the Holy Word.
“…Let everything you say be
good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear
them.
And do not bring sorrow to
God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his
own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.
Get rid of all bitterness,
rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil
behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one
another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. Eph 4:29-21 NLT
The world has enough examples of how people can be cruel to
each other in social media, on the television and in the news to name just a
few. Can we not find ways to curb the negativity in our own language in order
to not add to the hurt and anger that is already so prevalent in society? When
I was young, my Dad used to say “think before you speak” but when I was a
youth, I thought like a child and inevitably spoke words of hurt rather than
take the time to seek out words of encouragement. I have learned over time and
continue to learn every day that a kind word can make a world of difference in
a person’s life. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if this act went viral? One day it
will and on that day, the world will experience a joy like it never has before.
As per the latest orders from the Alberta Government, our
church will, on May 30th, be allowed 15% capacity in attendance.
Praise God for this move and we look forward to welcoming a few more people
into the building. We invite you to join us in person at 10:30 AM Sunday or
online at:
Facebook Live - https://www.facebook.com/main.ave.31
YouTube Live – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs9LIkN_QTdVM6eVXEgy9QA
We look forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Blessings,
Pastor Todd
www.mainavefellowship.blogspot.ca
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