Communication Gatekeeper: Protector of Relationships

It’s impossible to agree with everything we hear due to personality differences, our religious and political views, and our perception of the world. In our closest relationships, disagreements are expected, but whether they evolve into conflict depends on the effectiveness of the gatekeeper’s influence and power over our emotions.

The gatekeeper, identified as the voice of conscience enhanced by the Holy Spirit, should provide alternatives to negative communications that could cause a relationship breakup. The purpose of the gatekeeper is to determine what is acceptable for healthy communications and the overall good of a relationship.

Proverbs 18:1 offers this reminder: "People who do not get along with others are interested only in themselves; they will disagree with what everyone else knows is right." A principle for effective communications is to make sure the highest level of integrity is maintained in language and motives. This pleases the Lord God. 

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Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps himself out of trouble.

~Proverbs 21:23 English Standard Version

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Unlock a Door to Loneliness

Forgiveness has the potential for eradicating loneliness. Anger and striving, however, open the door to alienation and isolation. A mother had not seen her son for years because she was so controlling, she had made it impossible for him to choose a career, a wife or a place to live.

In college he dated a woman whom he planned to marry after graduation. His mother refused to attend the ceremony because she felt the young woman was unacceptable. When he decided to move to another state in pursuit of his career, his mother closed the door on their relationship.

After years of alienation her heart softened when her son sent pictures of her grandchildren. She realized she had to let go of unrealistic demands if she were to have a relationship with her son and his family. Seeking her son's forgiveness was difficult. Admitting she had been wrong didn't come easy, but eventually it unsealed the door to her isolation. Seeking forgiveness is only possible by confessing and repenting of deplorable behavior.  

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One who isolates himself pursues selfish desires; he rebels against all sound judgment.

~Proverbs 18:1 Holman Christian Standard Bible

I am lonely and troubled. Show that you care and have pity on me. My awful worries keep growing. Rescue me from sadness. See my troubles and misery and forgive my sins.

~Psalm 25:16-17 Contemporary English Version