My Testimonies and Learnings

Speak In Love

Ephesians 4:15 — GOD’S WORD Translation (GW)

¹⁵Instead, as we lovingly speak the truth, we will grow up completely in our relationship to Christ, who is the head.

We have this desire to correct people whom we love. Gusto natin na maayos 'yong pamumuhay nila but then sometimes, even when we just want them to be on the right track, tayo pa nagiging masama sa kanila.

Kaya naman kung tayo ay magkocorrect ng tao, siguraduhin natin na may kasamang pagmamahal at humility. Do not just correct them because it's the right thing to do but correct them with love. Avoid hurting their emotions and crushing their pride.

But how?

1. Choice of Word

It is important for us to pick the right words—words that won't activate the pride and ego of that person. Maraming salita ang puwede nating gamitin. Huwag lang 'yong malalim at direct kasi imbes na 'yong advice or correction ang mati-take nila, mas magretain 'yong hurt at embarrassment or rejection or humility.

2. Right Time

The tendency is that we rush. We are impulsive and offensive. Minsan kasi kapag overwhelmed tayo ng emosyon natin, 'di na tayo nakakapag-isip nang maayos. Kaya naman we need to be on the track, right time. Consider your state, consider as well the situation of the other party.

3. Be patient.

Love is patient. Though we want to correct them, we can also consider letting them learn and grow on their own. Show love first. Be humble. Be patient. Kasi puwedeng first time nilang nagkamali tapos kapag pagsabihan mo agad sila, there's a possibility na mag-iisip sila. They might think "ngayon lang ako nagkamali, akala mo nakagawa na ako ng malaking kasalanan." Kaya importante rin na ma-polish din ang character natin before we correct or rebuke others. Minsan kasi nauuna ang pagtatama natin sa iba kesa sa pagtatama natin sa ating sarili. Practice what you preach.

However, there are certain people who are difficult to deal with. Yes, nagawa mo na 'to lahat pero negative pa rin ang approach niya sa intention mo, don't worry. God knows your motive. I-pray mo nalang ang tao. Si God na ang bahala sa kanya. 'Di naman natin hawak ang pag-iisip at desisyon nila. Basta you did your part. Malinis ang layunin mo. Let God do the rest.