Wild World of Reckless Wording

One thing that I have been reminded of during this political season is that we should be careful of the words we use. Regardless of where you stand on issues, what you say becomes who you are or at least who you are perceived to be. I'm fairly certain from experience that that is not always fair, but unfortunately it plays a part in who we are and who we become. The ground rules for daily conversation and communication are non-existent. You pretty much grow up living and learning from conversational experiences. There are an endless number of unwritten rules that are simply impossible to follow.
For example, being sensitive to the experiences of others before speaking. While reasonable attempts can be made to follow this guideline, chances are someone will still be offended.
Another guideline when using words is not to offend people. Again, only reasonable attempts to be careful in what you say can be made.
Another important guideline is to establish clear context of what you say. But again, who has time to walk on those egg shells. All these, and many more, are important rules of engagement, but still potentially volatile.
While we still have the freedom of speech, it comes these days with extreme caution. What you say now or even 5 years ago can come back to haunt you anytime, by anyone. Words can be twisted and threaded to fit any nut. But is this how we are really supposed to live? How do you maintain verbal integrity but still have fun? How do you say what you mean and mean what you say without hurting peoples feelings? Who decides when the political correctness boundaries have been crossed?

Words: can be like small relational hurricanes that sweep in one way and then completely opposite in another.

James understood this. He say in Chapter 3:7-8 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
James goes on to compare the tongue to a bit in a horse's mouth, a rudder that steers the ship, and a spark that causes a forest to burn. All examples of how dangerously forceful and effective a small thing can be.
Even Christ experienced the pain of being misunderstood by what he said. He was accused of rebellion, demon possession, anarchy, law-breaking, being a liar, being disrespectful, disloyalty, being a lunatic, and much more.
Words have caused world wars, broken up marriages, and put Christ on the cross.
So, do we just not say anything? Seems like that sometimes, but more on this next time.

just say'n (relatively speaking, sorta--kinda, in a roundabout way)