To speak respectfully is to honor one another. It’s to regard people as made in the image of God, deserving of non-condescending speech. Healthy speech is also honest. It’s not marked by spin, exaggeration, or minimizing. It’s truthful. It’s also to be clear. Healthy speech calls for interior and exterior clarity. And finally, healthy speech is timely—that is, it makes adequate, appropriate room for meaningful engagement.
