Words Matter. Or, Whatever Happened to Respect?

We're in full campaign mode these days as the presidential election season winds its way toward November 8, and campaign rhetoric is at a fever pitch. Insults are flying in all directions. This group is called "deplorable" and that person is a "disgrace".  On and on it goes. It seems everyone thinks they have a license to say whatever they think, with no filter of decency or respect. How sad that is.

In addition, there are groups of people protesting perceived injustices by refusing to stand when the National Anthem is played. It is certainly their right to protest, a right guaranteed by our Constitution. However, it seems to me these protesters would be better served to find a different venue for their protests. It's hard to take seriously their claim to oppression when they are being paid millions of dollars to play a game.

Name-calling by political candidates. Athletes protesting. The NFL allowing those protests, but disciplining athletes who want to honor slain police officers or to remember the events of 9/11. Police officers being treated as criminals. Contestants being attacked on reality shows. Every day there are new incidents that show our lack of respect and courtesy.

Whatever happened to good manners? It seems "common courtesy" is no longer common! Whatever happened to respect? Whatever happened to treating other people the way you would want to be treated?

Whatever happened to thinking before we speak? Whatever happened to choosing our words carefully? When did we decide that the words we use just don't matter? What has happened to us as a people?

I have written before about the days when I struggle with these posts. Some days, words come easily. Some days, not so much. Even on the "not so much" days, perhaps especially on those days, I want to choose my words carefully because words matter. 

Not just written words. All words matter.

Consider, for example, good manners and words of respect. Please. Thank you. Yes, sir. No, ma'am. Manners aren't just for Southerners. And far too often, Southerners don't have them either. How we treat each other matters, and the words we choose are a reflection of that. In our increasingly discordant world, it's important to be respectful, even when we don't agree. Especially when we don't agree. Words matter.

Words can encourage, or they can bring discouragement. It matters which we choose. 

We have, by the words we choose to use, the ability to lift someone up or to tear them down. And this ability carries across the spectrum of life. At home. In politics. In the workplace. In the classroom. At the mall. At the gym. Everywhere we go.

As you're out and about today, doing life, encountering various individuals and situations, choose your words carefully. Be respectful. Because words matter.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver."  (Proverbs 25:11 ESV)