Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon. Philippians 4:5 What would you like people to say about you when you’re not around? Would people say that you’re a considerate person? It would be great if people will say this about you especially behind your back. Being considerate, though, is often tested when people have disagreements. The final verdict will be in the quality of your relationships after the dust has settled. In Philippians 4, the Apostle Paul noted that there were two women quarrelling with each other that need to settle their disagreement. They used to work with Paul in sharing the gospel and now they were at each other’s throats. This particular advice to the Philippians would certainly have helped them achieve unity and harmony if they applied it. It would have allowed them to look at their disagreement from the other’s point of view and find common ground upon which to restore the relationship. Paul also says that their consideration (or gentleness) needs to be seen by others. Christians should be marked and labeled for being considerate to others. To be genuinely considerate to others involves empathic listening because you are able to feel what they feel. Their perspective becomes clearer to you so you understand them better even though you don’t necessarily agree with them. But just like any skill, it needs to be practiced before it becomes natural. To drive home the point as to why this is important and even urgent, Paul says that “the Lord is coming soon.” He’s implying that when the Lord comes, He will judge us on how faithful we have been in managing our relationships. If you’re a parent, your kids need this from you. If you’re a boss, your employees are dying for you to listen to them. If there’s a situation at home, school, office, church, or community that needs you to be considerate, practice empathic listening now. After all, wouldn’t you want someone to be considerate to you as well?
Posted on: Sun, 03 Nov 2013 09:27:35 +0000
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