Kind or Caustic? You Choose.

When we think about kindness and compassion, our minds often go straight to actions: random acts of kindness, helping others, or serving our community. Yet one of the most powerful and lasting ways we can show kindness and compassion is through our words. 

We live in a world where venting, whether online or face-to-face, has almost become a cultural norm. It’s easy to let frustration spill out, especially when we feel wronged. But I wonder, could we achieve the same outcomes, perhaps even better ones, through kindness and respect rather than anger and humiliation? 

Proverbs 18:21 reminds us: “Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose.” It’s a stark image, but it captures a truth we cannot ignore: our words carry immense power to heal or to harm. 

History also reminds us of this truth. Nelson Mandela, who spent 27 years imprisoned under the apartheid regime, understood deeply the weight of words. Years later he reflected, “It is never my custom to use words lightly. If 27 years in prison have done anything to us, it was to use the silence of solitude to make us understand how precious words are, and how real speech is in its impact on the way people live and die.” 

So, what does that mean for us? If you find yourself annoyed or upset, perhaps begin not with reaction but with curiosity. Ask: What really happened here? What might be the bigger picture? We so often judge ourselves by our intentions but judge others only by their actions. What if we chose instead to seek out their intentions, to listen with respect, and to respond with compassion?

Respectful conversations don’t just resolve issues, they build trust, strengthen relationships, and nurture a community where people feel safe and valued. Words are powerful. They can hinder and harm, or they can help and heal. The choice is ours.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O Lord.” Psalm 19:14

Mrs Deb Cooper
Principal