BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.
The biggest mistake people make in relationships is to react to what someone says without considering how that person feels. The antidote is to be considerate.
“For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” (James 3:16-17)
People often pay too much attention to other people's words and not enough attention to the emotions that caused the words. When a person is angry, they say things they do not mean.
They exaggerate and use words they did not intend to use. Instead of just listening, look for the emotions behind the words. People do not always say what they mean, but they always feel what they feel.
If we are wise in relationships, we will be considerate of feelings. Do not just focus on what our kids, spouse, neighbors, or boss says, words that may trigger our anger.
Instead, be mindful of what people may be feeling. When people are rude and unkind, they scream to the world, “I am in pain!” Hurt people always hurt people. It is the unkind people who need our kindness the most.
When we do not feel the same emotion someone else feels, we may dismiss their feelings altogether. Can one person be cold and another person be warm while being in the same room at the same time? Yes. Then, why try to argue people out of what they feel?
When we dismiss someone’s feelings, we minimize the other person. We need to look beyond the words and get to the real issue. Feelings are not right nor wrong. They are just there. No one has to defend their feelings. They need us to say, “I hear you.”
We can stop ignoring and invalidating other people’s feelings. Wise people are considerate of other people’s feelings.
What habits do you need to change to become more considerate of other people’s feelings and not just their words?
Heavenly Father, I am thankful we have an example to live life without regrets. When I live mindful of others and their feelings, I can allow You to lead me to the real issue they may be facing. I want to show others how You are there to fix any of our thoughts, emotions, and feelings. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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When We Dismiss Someone’s Feelings, We Minimize The Other Person. We Need To Look Beyond The Words And Get To The Real Issue.
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