Walk in wisdom toward them, that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, what ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Colossians 4:5-6. The Bible. KJV.
I love this old proverb, "Kill them with kindness." Have you observed from others that they will provide positive responses if they are given gentle and calm statements from you and are not provoked in situations that go against their own beliefs? They will respond with anger and intense tones, but may or may not resolve to a normal voice according to your natural tone. People can be destructive in giving their opinions on the election candidate. It is a HOT topic. The best advice is not to discuss it in the open- not even with family members. Families divide over these things.
Many people have not been taught, "It's okay to agree to disagree." When I taught sixth and seventh grade, this was a topic matter that spent long hours instilling into my students. Yes, they, too, had opinions, but they soon learned how to discuss their opinions in an effective manner.
Getting back to the above verses, the Bible's commentary states, "...walk in wisdom" is to live wisely among the unbelievers- understand that not all people have the same perspective as you and will voice as they see fit. "...redeeming the time." take the opportunity to display wise behavior and use it as a chance to witness. "...speech...with grace, seasoned with salt, ...know how ye ought to answer every man."
The Bible. KJV. 2013. p1923.
Know your facts. Do your research and what resources are validated. Be prepared to face shouting, ugly words, and physical touching. Sometimes, you have to walk away. When a person is not ready to have an adult conversation, then it is time to calmly walk away. It is not worth getting physically hurt over a candidate. Pray for God's guidance and His healing hand over the person or persons you encountered.
Why am I choosing to use these verses to speak to others during election season as one should speak to unbelievers? Our words and actions make a difference in how one sees us. These verses should be remembered in our daily speech. Imagine how the world would be if we encountered everyone "with grace seasoned with salt."
Hope you find these words encouraging as I have. For God loves us all! May your days be filled with harmony.
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