be wise.

Wisdom has many different aspects, and I'm sure I'll write on it again at some point but today I want to focus on one certain area of wisdom.

Wisdom is gentle, it is considerate.

"Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do.” Philippians 4:5

If you want to be wise, you need to always always be considerate. Getting even, calling names, using slurs, ignoring another’s feelings…these are all the ways of a fool. Hurt people hurt people; unkind people need kindness the most. Answer their cries of “I’m in pain!” with kindness, gentleness, and consideration. Feelings are neither right nor wrong, they’re just there. They aren’t facts. You shouldn’t have to defend the way you feel. BUT when we try to convince someone that their feelings are wrong, we will always lose in that battle. We might walk away feeling confident that we were correct in condemning them for how they feel, but it only makes your reputation turn into one that is insensitive and uncaring.

Wisdom acknowledges your feelings and does not belittle them. Belittling them is the most hypocritical thing you can do. Don’t play psychologist. Don’t play God. Proverbs 15:4 says, “Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.”

Be gentle. Be wise. Be a friend.