Be kind AND wise

Be wise in the way you act with those who are not believers. Use your time in the best way you can. When you talk, you should always be kind and wise. Then you will be able to answer everyone in the way you should. (Colossians 4:5-6)

Always be kind and wise. Does that describe your responses to other people you relate to on a frequent basis, much less others who might not know you that well? We have all probably seen those funny memes that depict someone getting on your last nerve, or that one that asks 'did I just say that out loud' kind of humor. The truth of the matter is that we frequently run into situations where we could say something that would not be all the kind or wise, but we 'hold back'. Sometimes it takes more than a little conscious effort to 'hold back', especially when tempers are running high, disappointment abounds, or the 'last nerve' type of stress kicks in.

Be wise in the way you act. I know the passages references the way we should treat those who are unbelievers - who have yet to say yes to Jesus - but it is also very important for us to treat all individuals with courtesy, respect, and sometimes even a bit of 'slack'. Wisdom exercised in relationships might mean we don't always speak all we want to speak or respond with actions that match or outdo the hurtful actions of another. There are just times when it is wiser to 'turn the other cheek' than it is to engage in whatever silliness our emotions might want to lead us into! 

Wisdom in relationships doesn't always come naturally, or all that easily. Sometimes we find ourselves challenged a bit, wanting to stand up for ourselves, and knowing if we do, a tremendous argument will ensue. I was in the doctor's office a few weeks ago when a man came in and began to 'goad' the whole room of people waiting to be seen. First it was his lecture about cell phones and no one looking at each other anymore. Then it got into political discussion. Last, but not least, came the discussion about churches not doing enough to respect the older members of the community by embracing all those new songs and types of worship services. To say the least, it took a great deal of wisdom to avoid jumping into the mess that rant created! There are just times when you'd like to speak, but you know wisdom dictates you shouldn't!

Be kind and wise. If you really stop to think about it, it is pretty difficult to be kind all of the time unless you allow wisdom to dictate your responses. Just sayin!