Toning down the rhetoric is our focus this month.  Today’s message is the second in this series of what I hope are helpful steps to achieve this lofty goal.

There are three biblical principles I want to quickly lift up today.  One – ignore the insults (Proverbs 12:16).  This is a lot easier said than done.  But when we respond to insults (usually “tit for tat”) we do nothing to tone down the rhetoric, but add fuel to the fire.  When we attack the person rather than the problem, we’re contributing to the problem.  The solution?  By God’s grace, ignore the insults.

Two – keep it timed right.  Ecclesiastes 3:7 says there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.”  We don’t have to speak to every issue and to every person.  There are times when it’s better to keep silent.  But when prompted by the Spirit to speak, speak, but make sure the timing is appropriate.  Pick a time when the recipient is going to be most receptive to what you need to say.  This will go a long way in toning down the rhetoric.

Three – speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).  When it’s time to speak, speak, but speak truthfully and lovingly; after all, God hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17).  Guard your tongue also here by saying what you mean and meaning what you say.

In whatever you say, speak the truth in love.  Romans 12:18 reads, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.”  Peace is what we all want.  But peace cannot be achieved apart from truth (see my message in the archives dated October 6, 2025), nor can it be achieved with a lying tongue and words that attack the person.  If we want to turn up the peace and turn down the rhetoric, truth must be spoken in love.

Tone down the rhetoric: Ignore the insults.  Keep it timed right.  Speak the truth in love.

“Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!  And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!”  (Psalm 139:23-24).