How Is God at Work to Heal Relationships?

After a major disagreement most individuals need time to think through what caused the conflict. It’s important to understand and accept each person’s responsibility for initiating an argument. Owning up to selfishness is not being weak but rather is demonstrating strength of character.

A defining moment occurs when a change in communication style improves how conflict is managed. Insight doesn’t usually come from hostile exchanges of accusations. Insight comes afterwards when there is silence, if it comes at all.

A pivotal moment can come by realizing God is at work to heal each person. 

He gives wisdom and understanding to those who will use it so a relationship can heal and peace can be restored. The Good News Bible in Proverbs 17:27 reminds us that “people who remain calm have real insight.” A calming presence is sometimes difficult, but necessary for successful problem solving.  

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Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant. Love does not envy; it does not boast, it Is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keep no record of wrongs. Love do not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth.

~1 Corinthians 13:4-6 New American Standard Bible/New International Version 

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week. 

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You are invited to listen as I will be the guest on "Vital Issues in the Christian Home" this week on Thursday morning, April 10 from 10:30-11:30 Central Daylight Time on KHCB radio at 105.7 FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, AR, and FL, please go to www.khcb.org.

What Shuts Down a Foolish Argument?

Arguments and conflicts cannot be avoided in most relationships. A defining moment between two people is not that an argument or fight takes place, but what happens afterwards. A significant argument can erupt spontaneously over minor issues but end up doing emotional damage to the relationship.

A pivotal moment is created by understanding the degree to which a person may cover up hurt feelings because they fear expressing what they think and feel. After a disagreement, it’s critically important for you to share what happened from each person’s point of view.

If critical thoughts and feelings dominate without working toward a resolution, emotional distance will take place. Rather than permitting alienation to become permanent, be honest and share what you did to create the conflict. 

God honors honesty and will provide help to make resolutions possible. So be willing to make things right.  

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A kind answer soothes angry feelings, but harsh words stir them up. Words of wisdom come from the wise, but fools speak foolishness. 

~Proverbs 15:1-2 Contemporary English Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.

________________________________

You are invited to listen as I will be the guest on "Vital Issues in the Christian Home" next week on Thursday morning, April 10 from 10:30-11:30 Central Daylight Time on KHCB radio at 105.7 FM in the Houston area. To stream it live or for a listing of sister stations in TX, OK, LA, AR, and FL, please go to www.khcb.org.

What Hope Is Available When Teenagers Leave Home?

Defining moments occur throughout life, and for a teenager who is leaving home to live separately from the parents at a college or university, this is one of those moments. Depending on the young person’s maturity, leaving home is one step in becoming self-directed.

However, parent’s counsel and help should continue until the young person’s maturity has advanced. Sending young people out the door with love, trust, and respect is a recipe for potential success in their academics and in future relationships such as marriage and family.

Parents must be willing to step forward and initiate appropriate boundaries throughout childhood and adolescence, which later will help a young person to leave home with peace and the parents’ blessing. “Bring up a child in the way he or she should go” and they will stay with that framework as they advance in years. 

This is God’s promise for parents and a sure hope to hold onto.    

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Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

~Proverbs 22:6 New International Version

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Subscribe to the Attitudes Answers podcast on your favorite podcast platform to hear this and other 2-minute features 3 days every week.