When he or she knows that love is always on the table, one can say anything to the person, and it be received – both the positive and the negative.

I am never intentionally malicious in my speech toward family, friend or stranger. Yet I know what I say can be heard and interpreted as such especially in the heat of debate/argument. Blaming and shaming does not – nor will it ever – solve a debate or situation. Blaming and shaming can lead the other party to shut down or acquiesce but the damage to a relationship can be costly… even in the presence of love.

So, I am choosing to be more intentional about guarding the words that come out of my mouth by filtering my thoughts. I am choosing to lessen the potential for deadly communications by listening more and speaking less. I am choosing to speak life into family, friends and strangers not death.

Why? I always want to leave someone better than I found them.

Colossians 4:6