Curb Criticism – Concentrate on Compliments

Providing a nice home with all the amenities is a basic priority of most families. Achieving this goal is part of the American dream along with acquiring a good job. An even more significant part of this dream is being blessed with a strong, loving family who stays together to share the joys and sorrows life is sure to bring.

So a healthy objective is creating an atmosphere of honesty and integrity where family members are free to speak with respect and openness because they feel safe and accepted. It's impossible to eradicate all criticism from every family interaction, but it’s essential to keep it to a minimum.

Curbing criticism can be achieved by concentrating on giving praise and compliments when they’re deserved. This creates an atmosphere of openness, which is an essential principle for effective communication. God's word makes it clear that those who belong to the family of the Lord Jesus Christ are loved as valued members of the family.

________________ 

They are not to speak evil of anyone; they must not be quarrelsome but reasonable, showing every consideration to all.

~Titus 3:2 Phillips – New Testament in Modern English

________________

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

Don't Assume – Check for Understanding

In American culture, English is the preferred language. There are, however, a significant number of other languages spoken in the privacy of family homes. When speaking or listening to an individual from another culture who is just learning English, carefully choosing and using words in addition to thoroughly listening to what is said is imperative.

A basic principle for effective communication is being alert to the false assumption that what is spoken will be interpreted as intended. A word’s meaning may be clear and distinct, provided everyone is playing by the same rules of honesty and integrity. Beyond the surface meaning, however, words could have any number of implications.

Effective communication depends on each person knowing that what is said is actually what is meant. According to God, honest communication is convincing because it is trustworthy. Listen to God’s word from Proverbs 20:7. “The godly walk with integrity. Blessed are their children who follow  them.” You can be sure they’re watching.  

_______________

A fool finds no satisfaction in trying to understand, for he would rather express his own opinion. 

~Proverbs 18:2 International Standard Version

_______________

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