“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” – Proverbs 15:1
Being in the ministry 52 years I have seen my share of arguments. And I have observed the devastating affect they can have on a church, a marriage, or a family. I can also tell you that a major player in the problem is the manner in which we speak to one another. I found the following story in my files and it serves as a good reminder as to how we should communicate with others.
President James Madison suffered from many ailments in his old age that required him to take a variety of medicines. A longtime friend sent him a box of vegetables pills, one of his own home remedies, and wanted to know if Madison saw any improvement by taking them.
It wasn’t long before the man received a carefully-worded reply back from Madison. It said,
“My dear friend, I thank you very much for the box of pills. I have taken them all; and while I cannot say I am better since taking them, it is quite possible that I might have been worse if I had not taken them.”
One of the biggest challenges we can face when we’re in a position where we have to have a hard conversation is doing so in a way that preserves another person’s dignity. Whether you’re declining an offer from a salesman or breaking some bad news to a good friend, how you say it will speak much more loudly than what you say.
But when it comes to having those tough conversations, it’s important you don’t shy away from what’s right. Maintain your commitment to the truth, but bathe the truth in love and grace, and let others know you sincerely care. Love others well by speaking what’s right in the right way!
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
