Whether we are called to welcome others, speak truthfully, keep commitments, or guard our own speech, credibility flows from consistent daily actions. Our Lord and Savior Christ is the perfect model—strong though meek—surrendered totally to God as well as others' good. Imitating Christ consists of appropriating virtues such as kindness, humility, patience, moral courage, and unity of spirit. If we practice courtesy, sincerity, and adamantly avoid pride, we avoid worldly distractions, practicing pure speech which edifies rather than tears down. In this age of hostility, God's people should emulate Abraham Lincoln's restraint in anger, putting hot letters in a metaphorical cooler rather than send them. We need to listen well, respond to correction, keep promises, set expectations clearly, and perpetually seek understanding. The apostle Paul admonishes us (I Corinthians 14) that our spoken words must be distinct and edifying, resembling notes from a well-played musical instrument. Leaders must strive to be truthful, loyal, quick to repent, and continually motivated by unconditional love. The harsh zeal demonstrated by James and John must yield to Christ's peaceable, merciful spirit. Ultimately, as God's chosen saints, we should reflect Christ's humility in Philippians 2, placing the concerns of others over self, practicing moral strength as well as gentleness, thereby making every relationship a testimony of God's love.