I remember my mom saying, “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. The concept was reinforced from the story Bambi when Thumper was asked to repeat the same phrase to his mother after saying something negative about Flower the skunk!

Bambi, directed by David Hand (Walt Disney, 1942).

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. (Eph 4:29).

From the journal . . . December 2024

Lord, thank you for my grandsons! They are such nice boys! I commend them to You. I noticed two of them paricularly aim to please. Pleasing others is mostly a good thing but there’s always pride that tries to assert itself when we do that. Please protect them all.

The oldest mentioned that he was trying to lose while playing a game with the youngest. However, he said he has observed that people don’t like it when others do that to them. I said, “Yes. It’s condescending. Understandable when they are younger, but it can backfire!”

Wow Lord, that’s for me. I have condescending tendencies with those I consider weaker in some area which can actually be another form of pride, as if I am better. Yuk.

And the Lord Said to Me:

Condescension can be kindness, but you must be aware of your heart and attitude. Those who are weaker in a specific area must be taken into account but honored as well. This is for you particularly. You are realizing that kindness is often more important to you than truth. You love and value both. It’s rare that you can’t do both. Sometimes truth must be straightforward and even harsh, not unthoughtful but clear. Diplomacy with gentleness is needed.

Thank You my Lord. I receive this and I hope to ponder it more!!  I need Your continued discernment on what truths to share with others and when. Oh Lord, help me with that.

Always speak the truth in love but recognize when words aren’t necessary.

but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, that is, Christ,  (Eph 4:15).

To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; (1 (Peter 3:8).

Do not let kindness and truth leave you;
Bind them around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart (Proverbs 3:3).