January 21
Scripture: Col 4:6
Source author: Jenni Davenport
January 21
Kevin’s Lifelong Lesson Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone. —Colossians 4:6
Sometimes I think you don’t like me at all!” my friend Kevin exclaimed. I looked at him in surprise. He couldn’t have been more mistaken! Kevin was truly one of my favorite people. I saw him every week when we had rehearsal for a music group we both sang in. And honestly, I always looked forward to seeing Kevin. We seemed to have a special friendship and camaraderie. I finally found my voice. “Why in the world would you say that?” “Well, you tease me so much,” he explained. “Sometimes it sounds mean. And sometimes I think you’re serious. It hurts my feelings.” I started thinking about my words to Kevin. He was right; I did tease him a lot. And yes, sometimes it was negative teasing. But anything negative wasn’t really how I felt. Surely he knew that. . . . Apparently not. I was distraught when I realized I’d hurt this man of whom I
was so fond. Kevin taught me a lesson that changed my life. From that time, I dropped my sarcasm and less-thancomplimentary teasing. I learned that the last people I want to hurt with my words are the ones I’m most fond of.
Our words should always reflect the love we feel for others. — Jenni Davenport —