thnk b4 u spk
The things we say are often up for interpretation by the audience we communicate with. Let’s take emails for example, these are always the most difficult to interpret because the “tone of voice” is rather uncertain. In our day and age we send an email so instantly, and without having the writing skills of an award-winning author, we hit the SEND button and then check off a box on our task list. Wait a minute…did you read what you wrote before you hit SEND? Oops.
Writing emails are like reading books, we have an on-going conversation in our head, but we sometimes neglect controlling what we say. Emails seem like such an easy way to say the things we’re not willing to say in person, and I think we get caught in this trap of sometimes going too far; or perhaps, we don’t even realize it.
Emails and texts are our electronic “tongue.” An email or text can be such a small part of our communications, but if we are not careful to “check” ourselves, these electronic messages could spark a fire that causes great hurt or damage.
In this age of technology, timeless verses like James 3:5 are still applicable. So much of our conversations with others take place via cables and wireless “cables.” Let’s challenge ourselves to apply the principle of this verse to all communications, not just the ones that come out of our mouths.
Wow this was written for me. I am so unaware of Tone in an e-mail.I do not try to interpret tone of emails received or ones I send out. I want to believe the best. I want people that receive e-mails from me to believe I am sending it without tone other than a good one.
However I am coming to realize that is naive. So if I hurt anyone with my e-mail tongue I am sorry and will do better in the future and pay more attention to my electronic tongue. Thanks Kacy