Most of us have communication filters. It’s something in your head that prevents you from saying what’s on your mind because you knew if you did, it wouldn’t be good. You could offend somebody. It might be incorrect, requiring a little more thought. A lot of kids—and a few adults, for that matter—are missing this filter. It can cause a lot of hurt. I’ve heard kids verbally assault their parents with unfiltered words and then respond with, “What? It’s true!” Do you have a child like this? Training time—pull them aside and ask them how they’d like it if ALL the bad, truthful things in their lives were talked about openly. Then, point them to Ephesians 4:15: “Speak the truth in LOVE.” Then, make sure you’re leading by example.

Suggested Reading: Ephesians 4:15,, 2 Timothy 2:1