Watch the way you talk — don’t use foul or abusive language, stop all your dirty talk, do not say harmful things, do not let any unwholesome talk come out, nothing foul or dirty — say the right thing at the right time — each word a gift, good and helpful — and help others by what you say.

Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them; say what people need — words that will help others become stronger — words for building others become stronger so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them, that it may benefit those who listen. 1

Yesterday in Pumpkin-Seed & Peeps I mentioned that embattled people can still be gracious.

It’s true.

We can choose to respect people we don’t like.
– We can choose to tolerate your differences.
– We can choose to talk things out rather than stuff your annoyances.

We can choose to bring happiness.
– If we hug people, let’s offer everyone hugs.
– We can all choose to forget the drama.
– We can all choose to forgive the guilty.

That final point, “choose to forgive the guilty” is a sticking point for many.