Many years ago, I was given a piece of advice by an older gentleman that I needed to hear. He suggested that before I replied to messages that I pause and take ten deep breaths, and then carefully read over my response before actually sending it (and decide if it needed to even be sent at all). He had noticed that my typical “youthful” practice did not follow that pattern.
Of course, this wise sage was giving me Biblical counsel. The Bible says, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak” (Jas. 1:19). “He who restrains his lips [or typing fingers] is wise” (Prov. 10:19). “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Prov. 18:13).
These days, I’m not perfect by any means, but I like to see if my replies to messages pass the Philippians 4:8 test. Are my words (and my tone) “true…noble/honorable…just/right…pure…lovely…of good report/commendable…of virtue/excellence…praiseworthy”? Do they pass the 1 Corinthians 13 test? Are my words (and tone) “patient…kind…arrogant…rude…self-seeking…irritable…resentful…bearing…trusting…hoping…enduring”?