How about this! Let's ALL allow love and the Holy Spirit to be evident in what we say. Our blessed hope is in Him!
My interpretation of the Golden Rule: Think before I say and do things, would I want it said or done to me. We usually make mistakes when we react to quickly. But Holy Spirit led living is the best. Romans 8 and Galatians 5.
For Proverbs 17:17, 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Friendship
(by Bill Stevenson)
Note: This is my adaptation of the “A Friend” list (which I did not write). As you read it, think about you in relating to your spouse or, if you are not married, in relating to your best friend. I believe that only true Christians with Holy Spirit guidance (by living Proverbs 3:5-6) can eventually live it with the help of the Holy Spirit and God's Word.
>> >>> > As a Proverbs 17:17 Friend, I will try to....
A>>> Accepts the other person as he or she is.
B>>> Believes in the other person.
C>>> Calls the other person just to say “Hi”.
D>>> Doesn’t give up on the other person.
E>>> Envisions the whole of the other person (even the unfinished parts).
F>>> Forgives the other person’s mistakes.
G>>> Gives to the other person unconditionally.
H>>> Helps the other person.
I>>> Invites the other person over.
J>>> Just enjoys “being” with the other person.
K>>> Keeps the other person close at ”heart” by thinking thankfully of him or her often.
L>>> Loves the other person for who he or she is.
M>>> Makes a difference in the other person’s life.
N>>> Never judges the other person in a condemnatory way,
but appropriately teaches discerning right and wrong.
O>>> Offers the other person any needed support.
P>>> Picks the other person up by humor, encouraging, etc.
Q>>> Quiets the other person’s fears.
R>>> Raises the other person’s spirits.
S>>> Says nice things about the other person.
T>>> Tells the other person the truth when he or she needs to hear it.
U>>> Understands the other person.
V>>> Values the other person.
W>>> Walks beside the other person.
X>>> X-plains things the other person doesn’t understand.
Y>>> Yearns to maintain friendship with the other person.
Z>>> Zaps the other person back to reality (not verbally or physically violently).