"Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone."
I had two conversations today that seemed to show both sides of this verse. One where I was on the receiving end of somebody's opinions and observations, and one where I was on the giving end.
The first was me on the giving end. I was talking with someone I value and trust, and they didn't necessarily accept or agree with the opinions and thoughts I presented. They're really good at playing devil's advocate, and asking good questions. I'm not sure if this is just something that I appreciate, but I feel like seeing something from all the sides helps me understand it better and think through it more fully. Atleast when I'm in the right mood to hear it and approach it knowing I don't have all the answers... which I understand is not always the temperament we/I approach things with. As a result I feel like I was able to be patient in the conversation and talk about things calmly and with a gentle tongue. It went well and we were able to see things from other perspectives and work them out more in depth. I'm still taking those words to heart and considering them in my decisions. I don't know that I changed their opinion, but I'm okay with that because the conversation helped me grow and have broader perspective. I have more to consider a d feel like my final decision will be more well rounded.
In the other conversation, I was on the receiving end. Someone was expressing their thoughts and opinions to me, and in order for me to understand and take it in, I was asking a lot of questions. To fully understand and form opinions I like to see things from all sides. None of it was malicious or with any endgame result in mind other than fully being able to understand and comprehend the situation. However I was met with surprising anger and frustration about me not being on the same page and seeing it the same way. Not being able to work through it with patience and gentle words made the experience unpleasant. The conversation was shut down because I was not at the same place as the other person. It surprised me, because I was still working through things and had more questions. It makes me less likely to want to have conversations and ask questions. It makes me feel like I need to feel wrong or guilty for not immediately being where someone else is, even though I know that is not accurate.
Funny how life and scripture team up to be a powerful teacher. Seeing this first hand, I hope to be more patient and gentle when I am met with different opinions and situations. The fruit seems to be much fuller.
No comments:
Post a Comment