Our culture is increasingly characterized by a profound lack of civility, especially in our online exchanges. On NextDoor recently, for example, someone asked for help in how to get rid of the snakes under their deck, and they were met with a tirade of vitriol on how helpful snakes are and why did they choose to live in the woods anyway? 

I won’t even start on how people talk to each other about masks. 

The Bible has the guidelines for good communication, and maybe if we Jesus-followers set the example, good things would happen. I offer just two verses without further comment:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. (Colossians 3.12, NIV)

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3.17, ESV)