(BNC) — With American presidential campaigns ramping up and both government and candidates making use of ever coarser language, the saints are reminding their readers that Christ’s love is heard through the use of a kinder, gentler speech.

Perhaps it’s coincidence, but after BNC’s story on rudeness, several other posts appeared on our radar. The reminders are timely, without a doubt.

Out in California, gospel preacher Caleb O’Hara called out one word Aug. 21 that he identifies as “a chief killer of progress” and “ends a discussion without resolution of the question.” We’ll not give it away, but let you read his two-minute post.

On the same day, Bob Turner, Director of Extension Centers at Bear Valley Bible Institute, offered up on his blog “The Leadership Fund” his assessment of two of the most important words: thank you. He takes a cue from the entitlement mentality.

“The age of entitlement influences everyone. We feel we have the right. After all, we are special, therefore entitled to receive. Others should want to give,” he wrote.

But a thank-you turns around this wrong attitude, so Bob urges us to take time “to call, write a note, or go to them and thank [someone] for the difference their influence has made in our lives.”

A thank-you is a way of giving back. “We might be surprised at the difference it makes in their lives to do so.”

Earlier today, missionary Michael E. Brooks, writing from Bangladesh, used an illustration in “Hairstyles and Identity,” in his weekly Forthright Magazine column, to highlight what sets Christians apart — our demeanor.

These Spiritual traits are distinctive. The world displays hatred, envy, unhappiness, anger and many other harmful and sinful works (Galatians 5:19-21). There is no difficulty in recognizing the difference between those who possess the first traits (fruit of the Spirit) and those possessing the others (works of the flesh). Like the way the men of ancient Israel cut their hair, the actions without and the spirit within speak loudly as to what manner of person one is.

So Mike stated that “we will live and act differently than others.” The result of the Holy Spirit’s habitation “include love, joy, peace and similar positive characteristics.”

Against the testiness and coarseness of today’s political and secular speech, Christians will show a marked difference by their “sweet, sweet spirit.”

One popular figure said that “inappropriateness is funny to me. Rudeness is hilarious.” Christians, however, do not take to meanness.

It really does matter what you say and how you say it.

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