Dealing with people can be difficult.  Imagine that?  Several weeks ago, a friend shared an interchange she had with a person who has the potential to be somewhat of a challenge… In this case, he had told her something that just did not make sense. The facts were not adding up.  I asked her a simple question. “Did you confront the inconsistencies in his story?”  And her response?  She said:  “I can’t speak to him again until my patience returns.”

 

I was convicted immediately.  How many times have I spoken before patience returned?  My patience actually takes frequent vacations.  I actually think he goes on extended cruises out of the country. And, he often leaves without any advance warning.  I find myself in an awkward situation, and patience is nowhere to be found.

 

When I speak before patience returns, I say things I regret later. It’s during his absence that I snap at someone.  And, when he not around, my communication becomes blunt and clipped.  Anger is usually lurking in the shadows when patience fails to return in a timely manner.

 

My friend is on to something. It’s a good idea to wait for our patience to return before speaking into a situation.  We are more likely to get our ideas across in a way that reduces conflict instead of fanning it.  Tasks are completed in a timely manner. Friendships are preserved.  Children are not wounded by words of anger spoken by their parents.  We are far less likely to speak words that we may regret for a lifetime.

 

Are you dealing with a difficult person this week?  Don’t speak until your patience returns…

 

 

¹⁹ My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, ²⁰ because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. ²¹ Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.  -James 1:19-21