Proverbs 22:11 tells us ‘He who loves a pure heart and whose speech is gracious will have the king as a friend.’ As Christians we are to be gracious and show love to others. Again in Proverbs we read ‘A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.’ But I am not a Christian who thinks that I should keep quiet under any circumstances. The important thing is how I do it.
How can we keep remain silent when a medical appointment is cancelled without notice or essential medicines are not available at the chemist because of mismanagement? What about the door slammed in your face or a workman failing to turn up without any explanation? Although I can feel anger on my own behalf I am even more annoyed when a vulnerable person is badly treated. I have the verbal ability, mental capacity and courage to object. They do not always.
We know this is not a fair world and there are many injustices but as Christians we still need to be gracious. Proverbs again gives us an answer. ‘A gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger.’ Proverbs 15:1