How Is Calmness Essential for Effective Communication?

One characteristic of every marriage is a communication style that reflects personality and temperament. Communication style refers to how couples speak to each other, how thoroughly they listen as well as how feelings are acknowledged.

All individuals react to words and to facial expression, including the eyes and the sound of the voice. Effective communication patiently allows others to say what they think and feel without interrupting. This reveals showing love and respect for each other and keeping intimacy alive.

When tempers begin to fly, walk away until each person has gained composure.

Calmness in the presence of a storm can be the means for finding solutions to problems rather than sinking into chaos. Listen to Proverbs 14:17: “People with a hot temper do foolish things; wise people remain calm.” A calm presence is essential for effective communication.          

_________ 

Do not let evil get the upper hand but conquer evil by doing good.

~Romans 12:21 The Living Bible

_________

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

Is It Possible to Squelch a Critical Attitude?

Criticism is an offensive move against another person. The intention is to reveal something negative or offensive about their character. In most cases this is a perceived assault, which provokes a defensive response. A wise person will accept correction and instructions for changing this behavior.

When you offer correction or instruction to others, be sure you speak with kindness. Listen to Proverbs 10:23: “It’s foolish to enjoy wrongdoing. Intelligent people take pleasure in wisdom. The righteous get what they want, but the wicked get what they fear most.”

Benjamin Disraeli observed, “It’s far easier to be critical than to be correct.” When the impulse to be critical arises, reflect on what drives that need in you. 

Ask God for insight and wisdom for managing yourself and the situation. It is God’s desire to correct you because he loves you. So do not resist or reject his correction.  

__________ 

We know God’s children do not make a practice of sinning, for God’s Son holds them securely, and the evil one cannot touch them.

~1 John 5:18 New Living Translation

__________

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

Can Problems Be Prevented from Overtaking You?

It would be worthy of our time to monitor how much time is actually spent on problem-solving or confronting major issues that challenge our efforts to be successful. Problems surface periodically and catch us surprised and off-guard. Problems test our intelligence, our physical stamina, and our ability to cope emotionally. 

The first major factor affecting problem-solving has to do with our perception of the problem. If problems are seen as undeserved, then anger, frustration, and resentment can overwhelm rational choices and produce regrettable behavior. No one is exempt, so each person chooses how to respond.

Problems demand decisions, so we either overcome problems or they overcome us. Romans 12:21 gives this advice: “Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.” Whatever problems you may be facing at this moment, ask the Lord Jesus Christ for help and he will do it.

___________ 

Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.

~Proverbs 3:6 Good News Bible

___________

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

Can You Conquer Anger?

Anger is responsible for as much heartache and trouble as is any other emotion. While anger by itself is not a bad emotion, behaviors linked to it become the issue. There are individuals who continuously need to be in control of others and their environment, to the extent of utilizing anger to maintain that control.

Anger becomes destructive when persons possessing it believe they are justified in punishing another person or object. What drives anger is feeling threatened in ways apparent only to those who perceive themselves as vulnerable. So what can prevent anger from becoming reactive and out of control?

Immediately ask yourself, “What am I doing? Does God approve of  what I am compelled to do?” Assess the consequences of what you’re thinking. Listen to Romans 12:21. “Do not let evil get the best of you but conquer evil by doing good.” Pray that God will bless whoever is the object of your anger. 

                      

___________ 

But I tell you to … pray for anyone who mistreats you. Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven.

~Matthew 6:44-45 Contemporary English Version

___________

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

Live Above Evil's Bridge of Destruction

During war, however war is defined, the moral underpinnings of a nation are put to the test. War presents opportunities for the highest moral character to be exercised. At the other end of the spectrum, a corrupt person choses to live outside of Christian values and ethics because what is hoped for is beyond what God will bless.

Those who have no hope in God depend solely on their intelligence, and even deception, to succeed. Realistic, healthy hope does not anchor its roots in deception and falsehood. God calls everyone to live above evil. Evil builds a bridge to destruction and isolation that separates evildoers from the presence of Christ Jesus.

Evil offers no realistic hope that will endure. We are admonished then to turn from evil and put on righteousness by entrusting our lives into God’s protection and provision. By believing and trusting in Christ Jesus, we put on a new life that overcomes sin by God’s power within us. That is wonderful news.  

___________ 

If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil any your lips from telling lies. Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right, and his ears are open to their prayers. But the Lord turns his face against those who do evil.  

~1 Peter 3:10-12 New Living Translation

___________

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

When Perplexed, God Will Empower

Life is full of challenges that range from minor frustrations to those which threaten our safety and security. Without challenges, what would  motivate and inspire you? Imagine Joshua leading his people into a land that still had to be conquered? God promised to empower him with  endurance, courage, and wisdom. This gave him hope and confidence.

Joshua’s faith gave him the self-assurance to accept the challenge God assigned to him. Hope and courage along with confidence are essential for reaching planned objectives and goals. These character strengths prevent problems from being perceived as out of control and you from feeling helpless to conquer them.

Hope provides the incentive to face whatever troubles each new day may bring. Hope is a light that can shine in the darkness to give you courage to face demanding situations, people, and temptations. “Do not allow yourself to be overpowered by evil but conquer evil with good.” You, by way of your faith in Jesus Christ, can be “more than conquers through him who loves you.”  

______________ 

When doubts filled my mind, [Lord,] your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.  

~Psalm 94:19 New Living Translation

 

With this news bring cheer to all discouraged ones. Encourage those who are afraid. Tell them, “Be strong, fear not, for your God is coming to destroy your enemies. He is coming to save you.”

~Isaiah 35:3-4 The Living Bible

_______________

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

Battling Evil Assaults: Allied with God - Part 1

While the accumulation of seemingly trivial instances of evil will threaten our integrity, we're often encouraged to overlook little offenses and treat them as insignificant. No offense of evil is insignificant, for these offenses chip away at our integrity by corroding our conscience. A corroded conscience proceeds to become disconnected from God, and from those who love us.

Romans 12:21 commands us to "not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." These words warn us we're vulnerable to evil's influence and power. Evil's strategy may not be a frontal attack, but rather a subtle infiltration of the conscience. Shading the truth with half-truths or white lies may seem harmless but will damage your integrity.

Overcoming evil with good in order to survive spiritually necessitates choosing Christ Jesus to be a part of your entire life. When tempted by evil, no matter how seemingly trivial, ask Jesus to empower you with the courage to do what is good and pleasing in God's sight. With his guidance and assistance you will succeed. 

Accomplishment: A Fresh Look - Part 3

Taking stock of how you spend your time and what you've achieved is critical to establishing new objectives and goals. Employers consistently outline objectives and goals they expect employees to accomplish. Your job security depends on complying with what's expected. Taking stock includes seriously and honestly evaluating compliance and performance with what is expected.

I heard someone say, "My golf game has improved a hundred percent this year, but my work and family life have suffered." These words may be an honest assessment, but they imply neglect and irresponsibility. Jesus, speaking to the religious teachers of the day, accused them of neglecting the important matters of the law - mercy, justice, and faithfulness.

There are times when neglect can produce grave consequences, but by  choosing to change, repenting, and requesting God's help, a fresh start is possible. Romans 12:21 offers this initiative. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." Christ in you is your hope for change.  

Overcoming Obstacles by Growth and Change - Part 2

What do you believe is the most important part of yourself that you take to work each day? Is it your capacity to think, perhaps your integrity, that permits you to give of yourself beyond what's expected? If not, it's important to examine your attitude to determine what stands in the way. Obstacles could be persons who do not like you or negative attributes within yourself.

God has given you this unique capacity to think, to observe, to analyze, and  make decisions about what to do in any given situation. If you allow a negative attitude to develop about work, then you're vulnerable to becoming entrapped by these obstacles.

Keep in mind that obstacles can be seen as challenges for change and growth. Romans 12:21 lays out a strategy for dealing with obstacles, regardless of their origin. "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good." The good you can do is determined by your ability to think and believe that God is at work to help you. Choosing what is good is God's way.