Rules Of A Godly Life: Part 2: Rule 10

"Make a habit of not discussing or judging another's words unless you know you have heard and understood aright what they meant to say."

I find that it is so very easy to misjudge what someone is trying to tell you and then misjudge them in the process.  Please, if someone is saying something to you that does not sound right, ask clarifying questions.



Questions like:
1.  This is what I hear you saying ... is this what you meant to say?
2.  How would you apply what you are saying?
3.  What scriptures from the Bible support what you are saying?


Only after asking these three questions of them do you really have the information you need to analyze your own reaction to what they have said.  You may then need to ask yourself some questions.


Questions like:
1.  Do I have a prejudice against what they are saying?
2.  Do I have a prejudice against them and so cannot accept what they have to say?
3.  Am I reacting to what they are saying or to my feelings about what they have to say?



Now, having clarified what the person has actually said and having clarified your prejudice and feelings, it is time to ask:



1.  Are there other scriptures that support what they are saying?
2.  Are there scriptures that negate what they are saying?
3.  Are there ways of interpreting these apparently opposing scriptures so that they support the statement instead?


Finally, having given all diligence to understanding what has been said and considering all these things it is time to ask God to confirm the truth to you.


James 1:5
"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

Have any of my readers applied these tools before with success?

I would love to hear your success stories!