If you have been following the news, you are aware that we had a pipe-bomb scare on Tuesday. The report was that several pipe-bombs were sent to some well know democrats. The morning after the scare, the news captured the opinion of several people as to why this happened. One person shared that such actions are the natural result for a society that is filled with hate and harsh words. Whether people are willing to embrace that explanation or not, I think most of us would agree that the sound-bites on the news often contain mean-spirited words that have elements of hate, violence and derision. It would seem that this has become the language of many leaders and many citizens. What has happened? Why are people so angry? Why does so much of what happens seem harsh and unforgiving? I don’t know about you, but listening to this constant stream of malicious wording is disheartening. I wish I could offer you explanations as to why the climate that surrounds us is so caustic. Even more importantly, I wish that I could offer solutions. I know that the hateful rhetoric is not confined to our nation’s leaders, but I would love to have many of our countries’ leaders in a room where I could say to them, “Please stop your angry and harmful words. Rise above the clamor of hate that permeates our culture. Even better, set the tone of respect and peace and dignity. Carry yourself as someone whom we would want to follow. Live as someone who is not looking to draw lines in the sand or offer inflammatory words, but as someone who is offering well-stated ideas that are respectful and uplifting. Most of all, please act and speak in such a way that shows that we are being led by mature and thoughtful people.” Of course, I am never going to get to say such things to a room full of leaders, but my thoughts keep coming back to a simple charge found in God’s Word that has profound power. 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 How good is that? How about we all strive as a people to offer wholesome talk that builds others up and benefits them, even if we disagree with them? Is this a solution? Maybe. Yet, such a resolve would have to sweep our nation, and our world. We can pray to that end. I am not sure exactly how much the hateful words we regularly hear are contributing to acts of violence. Whether they are or not, they are taking a toll on our hearts, our spirits, and our relationships. Our kids are growing up in this environment and it is affecting them deeply. We must strive for something more. Something different. Something…wholesome and good. For Him, Rob