Being Wise in Your Relationships - Whit Criswell

Every person you work with is unique. Each is a complex blend of background, temperament, and giftedness. This is the root of most relational conflict.

Uniqueness causes all kinds of communication problems – we often simply don’t understand each other! We may use the same words, but with different meanings.

Wise managers recognize and value differences in people…and they relate to individuals in customized ways, rather that relating to everyone in the same style. They understand that it takes “different strokes for different folks.”

Would you like to be wise in relating to people? 
The bible tells us what true wisdom is:

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

James 3:17-18


From these verses we learn six ways to be wise when we deal with others:

I WON’T COMPROMISE MY INTEGRITY (“Wisdom is pure”)

I’ll be honest with you. I’ll keep my promises and commitments to you.

I WON’T AGGRAVATE YOUR ANGER (“Wisdom is peace loving”)

I’ll work at maintaining harmony. I won’t push your hot buttons.

I WON’T MINIMIZE YOUR FEELINGS (“Wisdom is gentle”)

I may not feel as you do, but I won’ ignore or ridicule how you feel.

I WON’T CRITICIZE YOUR DECISIONS (“Wisdom is gentle”)

I can disagree with you without being disagreeable.

I WON’T EMPHASIZE YOUR MISTAKES (“Wisdom is Full of Mercy”)

I instead of rubbing it in, I’ll rub it out!

I WON’T DISGUISE MY MOTIVATIONS (“Wisdom is always sincere”)

I’ll be authentic with you. I won’t con or manipulate you.