• Home
  • About This Blog
  • Contact Me
  • Subscribe
  • Comment Policy

Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
Home Communication Skills Before you speak

Before you speak

Posted on September 27, 2015 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


3 QuestionsAt a men’s event I recently attended, one of the speakers listed three questions to ask yourself before you speak. These are particularly good questions to ask when the conversation contains some tension. Because i found them helpful, thought I would share them here.

The three questions to ask yourself before speaking are:

  1. Is it true?
  2. Is it necessary?
  3. Is it kind?

Is it True?

Are you being accurate in what you are saying? Are you providing the facts in the matter at hand? Before you respond, make sure that you understand the situation and avoid saying anything that is not completely true.

Is it necessary?

When interacting with people, there are things that we know are true, but it is not necessary for us to say them. Is what you are going to say for the benefit of the one hearing it? If it is not going to benefit the other person, it is probably better off left unsaid. Wisdom is needed to know what should be said and when it is appropriate to say it.

Is it kind?

If what you are going to say is true, and it is necessary to say it, can you say it in a kind way? John described Jesus as being “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). We should strive to be like Jesus in this. Paul tells us to speak the truth in love (Eph. 4:15). Whatever we say should be loving and kind.

How much better would this world be if everyone thought through these questions before speaking. How much better would our families, church and places of work be if we did this consistently?

We have all said things which cause us to wish for a rewind button. My hope in sharing these questions is that by applying them consistently we might increase the time between statements that we later regret.

 


Filed Under: Communication Skills

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

Follow Attempts at Honesty

Honesty in your Inbox

Mirror

Righteousness before men

When we encounter a lack of grace and acceptance, it really hurts. The first time someone gets slammed for their honesty is perhaps the last time honesty is practiced. If grace is not a part of the group culture, then superficiality will rule the day.

Handshake

The Ministry of Reconciliation – We Can Do Better

17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17–18 NASB) Having grown up in the church, I […]

Freeze Warning

Freeze Warning: When visitors complain that your church is cold

When the Apostle Paul said farewell to the Ephesian elders, he quotes Jesus as saying, “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) Paul pointed to his own work to support himself while among the Ephesians as an example of this. Along these same lines, Matthew 20:28 tells us that Jesus did […]

Daniel and the lions

Daniel and regime change – A call for perspective

Daniel is an example to us of one who was steadfast in the midst of social and political turmoil. In this election season we can learn from him.

Church Sign

Jesus does not agree with this church marquee . . .

A picture of a church marquee stimulated thoughts on the exclusive claims of Jesus.

Post Series

  • Westminster Shorter Catechism Series
  • Sermon on the Mount Series
September 2023
SMTWTFS
 12
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
« Jun    

Categories

Archives

Blogger Grid
Follow me on Blogarama

Copyright © 2023 · Focus Pro Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in