On the last day of the year, it's a good time to think about how we talk to people. Have you noticed that you can say the truth in two very different ways? One way that hurts, and one way that helps and comforts, even when you're saying the same thing.
The Bible says the wise person speaks with wisdom, but their tongue also has "kind instruction" on it. That means it's not enough to be right, you have to say things gently. Saying the truth in a rude way hurts and pushes people away. Saying the truth with kindness teaches and brings people closer.
Think of it this way: if your friend makes a mistake in a game, you can laugh at them and say "wow, you don't know how to play," or you can say "aw, you almost got it, let's try again?" Both sentences tell the truth, he messed up, but one hurts and the other helps them grow. At the end of the year, it's good for us to think: how did I talk to people this year?
The Bible says Jesus came full of grace and truth. He never lied, but He was also never rude to those who were wrong. He corrected with love. That's how God wants us to end this year and start the next one: telling the truth, but always with kindness.
Truth with kindness helps you grow, truth without kindness just hurts.