The Shawshank Redemption

I was watching "The Shawshank Redemption" with my wife Jess earlier this evening. Something stood out which I hadn't really focused on in previous viewings. The prison warden, who is the antagonist of the film, is characterized as the worst kind of hypocrite. He openly proclaims his Christianity, even carrying a Bible throughout the movie, yet his actions suggest a sadistic thirst for power. His tongue is smooth as silk; he quotes scripture, preaching salvation, but within the context of his character everything he says seems profane. This inspired me to make the following observation: Some people intentionally soften their language so as to be gentle and unoffensive. Others purposefully choose words that are meant to illicit anger and dissent. Most are guilty of giving little thought to what they say; an injury unintended still causes pain. Then there are the dwindling few who speak truth, unabashedly... lovingly. It's not necessarily the word itself that matters, rather the spirit behind what is said.