We all have our convictions. We all have or opinions. We all do it without thinking. Most of us, are certain we are right. In this social-media-infused climate of soundbites and wildly simplified quips to explain unbelievably nuanced issues most of us end up forgetting entirely about the concept of gentleness and respect.
While I consider myself to be fairly open minded and believe I’m willing to take constructive criticism… I don’t always do this well, and in-fact don’t do it nearly as often as I would like to lead you to believe in this brief article.
Consequently, the following verse is a relatively constant reminder in my world view of how to actually do the thing.:
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
“but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” – *Emphasis Added*
It forces me to stop and reconsider my words. Most of the time it leads me to ask better questions. Socially, I find that statements get me in trouble more often than questions. These are a handful that I use regularly to stop myself from making statements and choose to be an interested person rather than trying to prove that I’m an interesting person:
- What makes you think that?
- How did you come to that decision?
- Who taught you that?
- Where did you read that?
- What study are you referencing?
I’m not saying that you must use this list or these words alone. However it rolls off of your tongue the most easily, when asked sincerely, without malice or sarcasm, these questions have saved me from closing doors with kind people more times than I know how to count.
