-----Psalms 28:3
Civility is necessary in the world if we all want to make progress both professionally and relationally. When hearts get involved in certain situations there is always the possibility for conflict. People can be irritating, inconvenient, messy, and just a plain pain in the butt. However, this does not mean that they do not have value.
It also does not necessarily mean that it is your duty to tell them what you think of them. (Have you ever noticed when a person claims that they 'just speak their mind' it is usually in defense of a harsh comment they made.) "Getting along" with others is something we teach kids in kindergarten. Being cordial is not the issue here, we can pretend that. The issue is much deeper.
Our danger is harboring malice in our hearts. Jesus said, "what comes out of the mouth, comes from the heart." What we must do is take a continual inventory of what emotions we are allowing to rest in the chambers of our hearts. Allow hate to build long enough and don't be surprised if that is how you view the world you live in. Allow love to build and watch just how fulfilled you feel as you are showing people glimpses of God. Love is God and God is love.
Heart and Soul,
BAG
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