Bad News Turned Good

You must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ. Then, whether I come and see you again or only hear about you, I will know that you are standing together with one spirit and one purpose, fighting together for the faith, which is the Good News.

SOMETIMES WE GET A PHONE MESSAGE, an email, or a secondhand version of negative news or criticism. Immediately our heart sinks. It beats harder and faster. Our head begins to swim with thoughts like, Oh no! What did I do? What if they are mad at me? What if I lose this relationship? or What if this is just the tip of the iceberg and it gets worse, like a lawsuit, or they leave the church? The what-ifs can make us crazy!

So when you get a glimpse of bad news, how should you handle it?

• Focus on God: Immediately take the concern to God, and plant it in the center of God’s loving care. He is in control. He knows all things. None of this is a surprise to him.
• Focus on getting to the truth: Get firsthand, accurate information. If possible, quickly return the call, or go to the person. Listen—really listen. Don’t try to defend yourself; ask God to be your defense and shield as you seek to listen for the pain or the root of the problem. If you react too quickly or become defensive, you may never really get to the bottom of the issue.
• Focus on the positive: Thank the person. Sharing bad news is no easy task. Calm the person with statements that will help everyone involved see how this is an opportunity for God to work or for everyone involved to learn and grow. Ask for time to pray or process the news.