“Guns don’t kill people, people do.” This statement was made by someone I know. For quite a while, we engaged in meaningful conversation on the topic of gun control. Personally, I think the issue is much more complex, but I wish to be respectful of their opinion here.

Considering the above, in what follows, I will not bring up the topic of guns. Instead, the focus will be on “the people part.”

So, what could be the problem with people?

I understand the generic use of “people” in this way: If I believe this only talks about others, I may need to be more honest with myself.

As a kid, I was bullied. However, I also made fun of a couple of classmates. Why did I do so? Because other kids were doing it, so this made it OK for me, at least that was my thinking at the time.

However, I was told by my teacher that it was wrong and that I should stop. Also, if I chose to continue my poor behavior, I would be punished. She really meant business. Why? We were raised to be mindful of respect for others and expected to learn to be good citizens. Today, I honor my teacher when I heed this lesson.

However, quite honestly, even as adults, we may not do this well. We can be hypocrites, you and me. We may set a poor example and our children are watching and listening.

What might they observe? Two hypotheticals: If I call out someone on the political left, with a mocking “snowflake” comment; or if I call out someone on the political right, with a mocking “cornflake” comment.

In grade school, when I called another kid a name I thought was “funny,” that gave me and my friends a laugh, I was sternly told to have higher standards and that I was “better than that.”

If we say, “stop bullying in our schools,” but continue with our own name-calling, it is hypocritical.

Are we honest and sincere about wanting to put a stop to bullying behavior? If the answer is yes, let us live up to the standard we are asking others to do; to be mindful of what we say and how we say it.

Jesus said: “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and I believe he meant it. Do you believe?

Walter is pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church and has served as parish pastor for 30 years.