Underlining

“So, my dear friends, don't take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It's not criticism. I'm simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me.” (Romans 15:15 MSG)

I often buy used books that previous readers have underlined. I like to know what other readers found interesting. Underlining and highlighting usually mean a reader has studied the text, not just skimmed over parts of it. When you underline a word or sentence, you are emphasizing that it is important. This is not a form of criticism but of affirmation.

As we go through each day, we have opportunities to underline truths that we find relevant. This has two functions: it reminds us that something is worth remembering, and it causes others to pay attention. There are many ways of emphasizing what is important--vocal repetition, writing, or any form of communication can highlight a point. Our daily choices and behavior can also underline our core beliefs. For example, if we believe that honesty is important, we can underscore this truth by reiterating it vocally, writing it down for ourselves and others, and being honest in speech and action. Highlighting the principle of honesty does not have to be a criticism of anyone. It can merely be an affirmation of something you find worthy of attention. However, if our behavior displays a lack of honesty, that is also something worth noting. Repetitive patterns in our speech and actions, whether positive or negative, underscore what we believe to be important. Thus, let us use our lives to highlight what is good, noble, and true.