When we encounter someone who is doing something that we don't appreciate or agree with, do we see them as being "difficult" or merely "different"? Our initial reaction to anyone who isn't similar to us or who doesn't behave as we would prefer is often to label them as being a "pain in the neck" or someone who annoys us. The truth is that we are probably the same to them. Would we rather like to be seen as being different to them rather than difficult? And wouldn't being seen as different spur us to find out why we are different and how we can coexist as compared to immediately choosing sides? Choosing sides typically leads to more divisiveness and not less. For us to truly "love our neighbor" we must see others as being different and not difficult and then try to find out why we are different and if those differences even matter and/or if they can be resolved or common ground found.
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Why do we do what we do? The answers can vary from habit to tradition to comfort to ease to socially acceptable to randomness. Throughout the day, we think and act with some of our thoughts and actions having direction while behaviors are merely reactions to life around us. Purpose gives us direction for our thoughts and actions. When we have a purpose, we are more likely to focus our energies in a desired direction. Those who take the time to find out their purpose in life or the the purposes that have value are the people who make a difference in their own life and the lives of those around them.
There is a fairly big difference between Correction and Criticism. A food critic points out what is wrong with the food and a movie critic points out what is wrong with a film. A person who criticizes others often points out the flaws of another Often times, we justify our criticism to be "constructive". After all, we are helping the person by telling them their flaws so we are justified by our good intentions. The truth is that criticism is rarely, if ever, constructive. Most people lack the introspection and confidence to allow criticism to be helpful. In order to truly help someone grow and improve, correction is the better route. Correction combines pointing out the flaws or mistakes that a person is making and then providing them with steps to improve or get better. That extra step of teaching or helping is what becomes constructive.
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AuthorCOACH. FATHER. HUSBAND. SON OF THE KING. WHITWORTH UNIVERSITY. Archives
November 2023
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