Recently I saw a sign with words on it we often used when we were kids: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.” Yes, we may have said them as children, or someone said them to us; but didn’t those names really hurt us? No, not physically (couldn’t break our bones) but certainly could break our spirit, and make us feel unloved.
The same can be said about adults. My hope is that we will never be the one speaking unkindly to anyone. And if we happen to be the recipient of unkind words or deeds, let’s remember that we aren’t responsible for how a person may treat us, but we are responsible for how we respond to that one.
“A soft answer turns away wrath.” Prov. 15:1
Our kind response, or no response at all, may be just what the Lord will use to help draw that one to the Lord. Our Savior is the perfect example for us to follow.
“When he was reviled, he reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not.” II Pet. 2:23
Some times saying nothing is the best response.