Do you tiptoe in conversations today with your foot poised precariously near your mouth? Pick a topic:

Solar/nuclear, carbon/electric, global warming/normal cycles, closed/no borders, life/choice, birth gender/trans, Biblical values/flexible guidelines, CNN/Fox, Israel/Hamas, or hate-filled politics.

This is wrecking relationships, even among Jesus’ followers. Paul wrote to friends in Corinth, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions.”

The Lord Himself prayed for you and me, “Protect them by the power of Your name so that they’ll be united as we are.” To the Ephesians: “Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit.” And to Philippi: “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly and loving one another, working together with one mind and purpose.”

You can risk stepping on those land mines, or heed Paul: “Keep your thoughts continually fixed on what’s authentic, real, honorable, admirable, beautiful, respectful, pure, holy, merciful and kind. Fasten your thoughts on every glorious work of God, praising Him always. Put in practice all that you’ve heard from me or seen in my life, and the God of peace will be with you in all things.” (Philippians 4:8-9)

What you say – and how you say it – can spell peace.

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