Chrism

“Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips” (Ps. 141:3).

A person who discusses calmly, wins over the other person as a friend during the conversation. He speaks objectively, with complete calmness, and without interrupting. We can try and persuade others to agree with our opinion, without having them feel defeated. Rather than arguing like enemies, you will discuss like two friends trying to arrive at the truth together. There is no need to attack the other persons’s manner, or ridicule their view. Discuss with calmness, and do not respond before listening properly first.

Be careful not to discuss people’s affairs or secrets for “In the multitude of words sin is not lacking,” (Prov. 10:19). Every person must make an effort to curb his tongue, and control what he or she says. Sometimes we gossip, and we let our tongue wander restlessly from one personal subject to the other, without any restraint. Let’s not use speech that is harsh, difficult and painful to others, but let our words be calm like a passing breeze. 

– Meditations and excerpts from “Calmness” – Pope Shenouda III, may his blessing be with us.

Image from Sweet Publishing / FreeBibleimages.org.