the big “i”
I recently attended a meeting of leaders that could have become contentious and disastrous. It could have resulted in more fireworks than Chinese New Year! Thankfully, however, difficult issues were addressed with honesty and transparency. The big “I”—integrity—led individuals to speak words of truth, love, and forgiveness.
may i say something?
Elihu was upset. As he listened to the conversation between a suffering man and three of his friends, he became more and more angry (Job 32:2-3).
quick . . . and slow
If you engage in any form of social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, etc.), you’ve surely read something that set your blood to boil. I’m not sure that we’ve figured out how to have meaningful conversation around divisive topics in the virtual world. Is it even possible?
a bad rep
For centuries, the church has sometimes had the unfortunate reputation of bitter wrangling and vicious disagreement. There have been opposing denominations and those within the same denomination claiming to know the true interpretation of Scripture and its application to daily life. These days, many Christian leaders are calling for less division and greater humility as we practice our faith together.
war
Journalist Jeffrey Gettleman asserts, “There is a very simple reason why some of Africa’s bloodiest, most brutal wars never seem to end: They are not really wars. . . . The combatants don’t have much of an ideology; they don’t have clear goals. . . . I’ve witnessed up close—often way too close—how combat has morphed from soldier versus soldier (now a rarity in Africa) to soldier versus civilian.”
you choose Q: "how can I show good judgment without being judgmental?"
Q: I would be grateful if you could help me to understand the difference between judgment and disagreement. How do I live as a Christian indicating how and why I do things differently (when asked or questioned about it) without coming across to another person as being judgmental? —Tana
A: There is a difference and much of it boils down to…
mediator
As a mom, I frequently have the opportunity to serve in high-risk negotiations in the prevention of “hostile takeovers.” Nearly 3 years apart, my children are as different as night and day. Though things can change at any given moment, they often play very well together. But when they disagree, it usually takes a third party for them to see…
being civil
It seems our society has become increasingly divided and polarized,” writes Mark DeMoss, president of The DeMoss Group, and former (unpaid) adviser to US Presidential candidate Mitt Romney. “Every week we are treated to scenes of bitter fighting, protests turning to violence and vandalism, name-calling, and personal attacks. Important debates are no longer fought ideas and words, but with shouting…
particular people
I like to walk around my neighborhood and take in the sights. As I wander along, my eyes view the textures, the details, particular names, and particular places. My street’s texture includes the Williams’ home (neighborhood patriarchs who sip cold orange sodas on their porch), the young couple who walk to the market (always holding hands) and, of course, the…
January 17, 2011
Why, as believers in Jesus, is it important for us to be gracious and loving as we interact with people who disagree with us? What if they’re rude, antagonistic, mean-spirited?
ambushed
Nell and Jim were hiking in a park when a mountain lion ambushed them, attacking Jim. His wife Nell tried stabbing the animal with a pen. When that didn’t work, she beat the lion with a log until it backed off completely!
Most of us will never have to fight off a wild beast, but we may need to defend…
