What We Don’t Say Matters
Have you ever asked yourself how the words and actions that you say and/or do affect others? I think sometimes we are guilty of saying or doing things that we don’t recognize the effects they have on the people we encounter throughout our lives.
I chose to talk with some other friends about the situation that lead me to gossip
During high school, I remember a time where I was very frustrated with a friend of mine. We got into an argument and he ended up saying some negative words towards me. Instead of making the difficult choice to tell him why I was upset with what he had done after the argument, I chose to talk with some other friends about the situation that lead me to gossip about him and say things that I shouldn’t have said.
In that moment, I chose the road of comfort and avoidance. Rather than face my friend and let him know why I was upset by his actions. I chose to avoid any possible conflict. It was so easy for me to be bitter at my friend and ultimately it lead me to treat him and talk about him in an unjust manner.
It’s important that we recognize that every human being is worthy of a good name. Of being treated in the same manner that we desire to be treated in. So why don’t we take those opportunities to be respectful and loving towards other people, especially in the times where we are hurt by comments or actions of others. It is in those moments, regardless of how difficult they are that we give the gift of ourselves to another and are able to grow to understand each other. We can do this by doing the following:
- Talk in a manner that’s uplifting to another person.
- Think before you speak or act. Don’t just react. Take the time to pause and think about how you want to respond in an accountable manner.
- Stand up for what is right, if you see people calling each other names, bullying each other, gossiping, call it out.
- In times where we do hurt others or are hurt by the actions of another person, let’s be quick to engage in a conversation about the matter and mend the situation.
It’s important that we see and remember the good of every individual especially in the moments when it’s difficult to love those who have wronged us. During these times it so easy to lose sight of the humanity of the person, recognizing that he or she isn’t perfect and is prone to mistakes but instead we should be quick to be merciful as our Lord is merciful and readily forgives us. Lets always remember to treat others the way we desired to be treated!
