Before you hit that button… pause.

Think before you send that email or text. Hesitate before you post on social media. Ponder those words before they leave your lips.

Are your words like honey or as sharp as the sting from the bee that made it? Is your social media meme edifying or belittling for the sake of humor?

We often time need to speak up, correct with a written word, or post helpful facts in an open forum. The problem is that our society has more knee-jerk actions than thoughtful approaches to communication. Our easily offended hearts don’t wait for spiritual guidance or Biblical knowledge before taking up our exasperated swords against the perpetrators. And sometimes, those perpetrators are responding in offense to something else. This causes a vicious cycle of thoughtlessness and callous behavior.

I, too, have been caught up in this. I would say that most likely you have, too. We all do at some point because sometimes we are hurt and hurt wants to jab back. Our human nature often doesn’t put a filter on our response.

Colossians 2:8 ESV

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.

We cannot become captive to thoughtlessness. When we do we become like the offender. Instead we need to dwell on the things of God and think in the Spirit as we respond to the assault of words as weapons. We are called to be lights. In that light we are to be examples.

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

I received some really good advice several years ago on how to deal with difficult people in unavoidable situations. She told me to make dip. Find the best dip recipe that is out there. Spend time on cultivating the best version of this dip and put a lot of love into the construction of it. When you take it to the obligatory event with those inevitable people, place the dip in a place that cannot be overlooked. When a difficult person starts to engage with you, ask about that delicious dip.

“Oh, ok, can you please pass the dip? I would like some more.”

“Thanks for that thought, have you tried the dip?”

“I see. You know, the kids really like this dip. I am glad I brought it.”

Or simply shove a mouthful in, smile and walk away.

Pass the dip… I recommend buffalo chicken.

Find all posts from the series 31 Days of Biblical Truths here.