Something that God is teaching me these days is to not speak unkindly about other people. You may not struggle in this area at all. You may have allowed unkind words about others to slowly enter in so much, that they aren’t even noticed as ugly anymore. You may lie in the middle of these two places.
God is very clear in this area of life. Scripture says, “Do not speak against one another, brethren.” James 4:11a. God says that to speak against one another is judging them and that’s not our place. These are pretty clear words from God. God also says that we aren’t to talk badly about people because all people are created in the image of God Himself. In Romans chapter 1, Paul included gossips and slanderers in the same list as murderers and those who hate God.
Fruit of the Spirit is kindness and goodness. Therefore, if we are Spirit-filled believers, we should be kind and good: in our words, in our thoughts, in our actions. James also tells us to be quick to listen and slow to speak. God did give us two ears and one mouth. Maybe we should listen twice as much as we speak. At the very least, we should always think before we speak and measure the words against the truth of God’s word, BEFORE they leave our mouths. There is a quote that says, “Be kind whenever possible. It’s always possible.” I believe this is true. We also have a saying in Kids’ Church that states, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.”
Let’s strive together to make this a better world, one word at a time!
Resources
In striving for a touch-free church experience, please plan to print these activities ahead of time, if you plan for your child to complete them during Sunday services. Remember pens and crayons too, please.
Follow this link for a complete step-by-step time of Bible study with your children:
Children’s Worship Song: