Did you hear about the ten "Shoulds" and one "Can"? Did you hear about the ten "Shoulds" and one "Can"?
Ten "shoulds" and one "can" that I need to consider when approaching potential disagreements:
1. It should be a discussion - with each participant having both an ear and a voice in the discussion.
2. It should be a patient discussion - one where one seeks first to understand what others are saying - then to understand what type of response may be warranted.
3. It should be a kind discussion - one that doesn't seek to directly or indirectly judge a person or a person's motives.
4. It should be a discussion that focuses not only on the issue - but on the relationships of people - both those participating in the discussion and those influenced by the issue.
5. It should be a respectful discussion that leaves all participants feeling comfortable with the way in which they communicated - even if there is disagreement over the content communicated.
6. It should be a discussion in which one's primary objective is to inform not necessarily convince others of a viewpoint or a reason for a viewpoint - understanding that if this objective is approached in the right spirit - it might influence one's acceptance of a different point of view - but will always influence one's acceptance of the one presenting the different point of view.
7. It should be a discussion that only brings up the past when something positive can be gained from it - and resists any effort to provoke participants no matter how different one's view.
8. It should be a discussion that looks for common ground for agreement - no matter how different the originating viewpoints. Even if the only agreement is that all people will one day bow and confess that Jesus Christ is Lord - that agreement is a great start putting any disagreement in perspective.
9. It should be a discussion conducted by individuals whose love for each other seeks to protect the integrity of those in the conversation - no matter what their view.
10. It should be a discussion that does not shy away from confrontation - but one that ensures that the confrontation is approached from a well grounded position and/ understanding of the issue.
11. It can be a discussion that can be restarted at any time to ensure the integrity of the aforementioned "shoulds".
Grounding for the aforementioned "Shoulds":
1 Corinthians 3:4-7 : 4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
2 Timothy 2:15-16: 14Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.
Grounding for the aforementioned "Can":
Adjusted Quote From Grant Robinson: "Daddy, just remember, you can start your day over at any time."
12:36:40 PM 
|
