“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Words of wisdom inspired by something Thumper said in Bambi:  (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9fYngTUZeUQ). Words that were shared with me on many occasions by my mother, but which I have not always followed. Words that we would all do well to heed.

When I looking at news, I am struck by the fact that the media would have little to say if they followed this adage. Social media seems to be a place where hate and vitriol constantly spew forth. Politicians at every level seem to ignore this advice as well. And, unfortunately, all too often I have witnessed those in the church not abiding by this rule.

Our children are watching and learning. They are following the example they see in us and in the world. The vile speech and angry words that I hear from people of all ages is very disturbing to me.

Wringing our hands won’t change the situation. Living the life to which you have been called as a child of God can. We have been told to be the light shining in this world, the ones who show that knowing Jesus is our Savior has made a difference. That will influence everything we do, including our words and our actions.

It is the result of having a changed heart. One that responds to God’s love in Christ with a new life. And it is summarized so simply in the words Jesus spoke:

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. (John 13:34)

The love Jesus has shown us is incomparable. He left heaven, came here as one of us, lived a perfect life, and then used that perfection as the payment for our sins. His death in our place satisfied God’s anger for our sins. And our faith receives the forgiveness that He accomplished. That is why we want to respond with new lives that do His will.

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. (1 John 3:18)

The true love that follows the example Jesus gave will extend to the way we speak to and about one another.

“If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”