A Reflection: Responding Well

Anyone can respond. But ability to respond well is a rare gift of God.

I am sure we observe. Some emails we receive make much sense, they contribute to the purpose, they encourage and build. Exchange of words with some people can change life, bless us and even save money!

In contrast, some don’t. Recently I heard story of an elderly woman. She had gone through difficult times.  When she shared with the other friend, she got the response “Do say that. I have gone through much more. Yours is nothing”.

A guess: I wonder how often our colleagues, community members or friends stop sharing because of the ways we respond to them. Harsh words, non-action, indifference can be big hindrance.

I remember two Scripture passages:

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak… – James 1:19 (NIV).  

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver – Proverbs 25:11 (KJV 2000).

Two proposed suggestions from above:

•  Understand well and speak. Ravi Zacharias said, “Behind a question, there is a question”. Must try to decipher at intention level. Not superficial surgery.
  
• Speak at appropriate time. Some versions say “right time, right circumstances, skillfully spoken, due time”. Not whenever we like. God guides to such times to a willing heart.

Learning to respond in a way God would approve.