What are the etiquette requirements for sending and receiving text messages?

Watch the time. The Bible says, "There is a time for everything … there is a time to be silent and there is a time to speak". (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 7) Besides talking, there is actually time to send and receive text messages! For example, ask yourself: Do I sometimes send messages to others when they are resting?

Watch your tone. Communication between people is not just about what to say. Tone, expression and body language are all important communication elements, but short messages often can't express these elements. "You should always be kind and considerate, like seasoning with salt, so that you know how to respond to everyone." (Colossians 4:6)

Pay attention to the situation If you are waiting for an important message, then maybe you need to say "I'm sorry" to your friends before reading this message. However, most text messages are not so urgent. The same principle should apply when you are with a large group of friends. Don't always send and receive text messages, which is equivalent to telling people present that you don't like being with them and you'd rather be somewhere else. "Don't just care about yourself, but also care about others." (Philippians 2:4)

Is it possible to misunderstand the text message before sending it? If you want to express your mood correctly, will it help to add an expression pattern? "A careless word is like a knife, and a wise man's tongue is like medicine." (proverb 12: 18)