Face-to-face

The evasive eye is a sign of trouble ahead,but an open, face-to-face meeting results in peace.

Proverbs 10:10 (THE MESSAGE)

I’m a firm believer in eye-to-eye contact. Moms, this is an important part of your mothering. Give your children complete eye contact sometimes. Let them know you are connecting with them. But also require it from them. If they are lying or avoiding the truth, watch carefully; you can read it by the way they won’t look at you. Call them on it—lovingly, but call them on it. If you don’t hold them accountable, that’s not good. Help them know they have to be honest above almost all other things.

And in friendships, in any important relationship, it is so good to get together and talk about things face-to-face. Is there a friend you feel somehow is struggling? Don’t call another mutual friend and talk it out; we have to stop doing that. Call her yourself. Take her out for a latte in a cozy coffee shop. Take the time to let her know she is important. We are all neglecting our friendships way too much. If you sense something is troubling her, ask her if she will trust you enough to be honest. Make sure the goal on your side is to build bridges, and make sure your friend feels safe even if you hit some rough waters in the discussion. Right now, many people are going through tough times. We may lose houses and savings, but let’s make sure we work hard to save our friendships. Amen?

Make It Personal . . . Live It Out!

Most of us are not very good at navigating conflict and disagreement. Sometimes we let small issues fester. Then we impute wrong motives and end up with a wall. If you are in a conflict situation with someone, here are some important principles to remember. Many disagreements come from misunderstanding. Will you ask the Lord to give you insight into the other’s feelings and perspective? Will you choose not to overthink it? And then will you choose, if possible, to overlook it? “If anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do” (Colossian 3:13, NKJV).

One Year Bible Reading

Leviticus 13:1-59; Mark 6:1-29; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs 10:10