We all have filters. No I’m not talking about the kind that filters our blood or our kidneys. I am talking about the ones we subconsciously use to filter what people say to us. The Bible tells us to renew our minds daily. (Romans 12:2) When we renew our minds it can replace the old dirty filters, clogged filters, faulty filters and give us healthy clean ones. We are to do this daily, not every not every three months. Let me give you an example. Someone may say they are cutting fat from their diet and increasing their intake of vegetables and fruits. If we have had a weight problem all our life and people have mentioned things to us over the years about our weight then our filter may be take what that person has said and internally hear you are addressing that they should do the same thing. Their feelings are hurt. They don’t think you understand how hard they try to lose weight. Now they are offended. All you wanted to do was share what you are doing friend to friend, brother to brother or whatever the case may be.
How do we navigate conversations from becoming a tangled web of misunderstandings? Ask questions. Be direct. Yes, these both can help but it also pays great dividends to read proverbs. It is also helpful get some good books on personality types or temperaments. Then when the conversation is over ask the other person for feedback and watch their body language and eyes. The Bible tells us our eyes are the windows to our souls.
Matthew 6:22 (NIV) “"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”
In the busy world in which we live it is difficult to say the least to communicate. It becomes increasingly difficult the more people we have in our lives. Make every effort to be present when engaging with others. Finally pray. Begin your day with the one who made us all and ask Him to be present in all you say and do. He is faithful to never leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
How do we navigate conversations from becoming a tangled web of misunderstandings? Ask questions. Be direct. Yes, these both can help but it also pays great dividends to read proverbs. It is also helpful get some good books on personality types or temperaments. Then when the conversation is over ask the other person for feedback and watch their body language and eyes. The Bible tells us our eyes are the windows to our souls.
Matthew 6:22 (NIV) “"The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.”
In the busy world in which we live it is difficult to say the least to communicate. It becomes increasingly difficult the more people we have in our lives. Make every effort to be present when engaging with others. Finally pray. Begin your day with the one who made us all and ask Him to be present in all you say and do. He is faithful to never leave you or forsake you.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."
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