what if, revisited and edited

what if, instead of prying into people's lives, we prayed

what if, instead of being spectators, we engaged

what if, instead of seeking to be heard, we listened

what if, instead of responding in kind, we responded kindly

what if, instead of harshness, we chose gentle firmness

what if we fought evil with goodness

what if we had respect for ourselves and others

what if we gave in the measure we want to receive

what if we received in the measure we gave?

what if we protected the fragile, nurturing rather than exposing them

what if we were more concerned about doing right than being right

what if we chose forgiveness over retaliation

what if we looked for the best instead of the worst 

what if we starved rather than fed the rumor mill

what if we loved lavishly, even if it isn't "deserved"

what if Christians followed Jesus' example...

"For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."          Romans 5:6-8