Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Misunderstandings

       I recently spoke with a woman who was distraught over a break in communication with a grandchild. She was really heartbroken that apparently the grandchild didn't want to have anything to do with her and she couldn't figure out what she had done to cause it. She shared her grief with me and I encouraged her to speak to the grandchild and find out what the problem was. She did and as it turns out the granddaughter wasn't aware of any problem. She assured her grandmother that she loved her and they had a great conversation. Just imagine what would have happened if this woman hadn't confronted the problem but had just allowed that hurt to build up and to drive a wedge between her granddaughter and herself! 
       Sometimes we can allow our perceptions to cloud our judgement and to affect our relationships. It's important to nip things in the bud so to speak. Don't allow hard feelings to build up. Be quick to forgive and slow to anger.
"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry," James 1:19
James gives us good advice on how to avoid misunderstandings in our relationships:
 1.be quick to listen: make sure that you are actually hearing what the person is saying and don't assume what they are going to say.
2. be slow to speak: think before you speak. Choose your words wisely and carefully. Don't use your words to injure another.
3. be slow to anger: count to ten and ask yourself if this is really important enough to get riled up about.
Many arguments and feuds would be avoided if not for misunderstandings. Guard your heart from them. Give people the benefit of the doubt and listen to James for his sound advice. May God bless your relationships!

1 comment

  1. " THanx once again for these wise words !!! Tracy still hasn't spoke to me in nearly 4 months....I have given it to the Lord !!! " Lov Ya ~ Pat ~

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