November 6, 2015 0 Comments sisbee-s-thoughts

Did I hear you right?

Dealing with insensitive people or sensitive issues that are personal can be tricky. Not many people deliberately set out to hurt others by either their words or actions but sometimes, unfortunately, things can come across that way.  Some cultures may tend to appear more tactless than others and hence the intended meaning of what has been said or done may not actually be the perceived meaning!

Insensitivity can hurt or add to hurt and during certain periods people may tend to be more sensitive than usual – (Pun unintended ladies!)

To be able to deal with sensitive issues, sensitive people and things you are sensitive about, it may be useful to try these out……..

Sensitive issues

-When broaching sensitive personal issues that have to be broached, ask for wisdom.

I say issues that have to be broached for the simple reason that every issue doesn’t have to be broached! We certainly don’t HAVE to bring something up with someone who has not invited us to bring it up. Sometimes God may ask us to bring something up, if He does then there we have it – He’s got our back and we have His permission to do so.

One of my favourite scriptures is 1 Corinthians 10 vs. 23 -24- taken out of context.

‘ All things are lawful [that is, morally legitimate, permissible], but not all things are beneficial or advantageous. All things are lawful, but not all things are constructive [to character] and edifying [to spiritual life].  Let no one seek [only] his own good, but [also] that of the other person.’ (AMP).

In other words, do you have to broach that issue? You are free to but, is it necessary? Stop and think again before you speak or act.

Sensitive People

-Follow people accordingly and don’t expect people to be strong because you are.

‘Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another , be compassionate and humble’. (1 Peter 3 vs 8).(NIV). The truth is if we are sensitive then people will probably tend to be drawn to our strength any way. Try not to be selfish with appropriate but inappropriately timed comparisons, not paying attention or making the person feel silly for being sensitive.  Romans 15 vs 1 tells us ‘Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.’ (KJV).

Remember, there is a time for everything.

Being sensitive usually involves listening, comforting and trying to understand, we may not know the real or deeper reason why they are that sensitive about whatever it is. We may not know what they are going through unless they invite us in. Be wary about passing judgement…..If you have upset someone with what they feel was insensitive of you try to correct things quickly and gently.

Your sensitivities

-Give people the benefit of the doubt.

They may not have set out to hurt you. They may not be aware you are sensitive about a particular thing and your perceived outward strength or composure may be confusing to them or misconstrued.

As I’ve gotten older I have realised it is not wrong to politely let people know you are not comfortable speaking about something or that you don’t want to speak about something because you feel sensitive about it. If someone has upset you by being insensitive let them know and give them the opportunity to explain what they meant or an opportuinty to say sorry. Bearing grudges can be a burden.

If there is any part of your life or any issue that makes you particularly sensitive then it is time for you to address it with God. The sensitivity may be coming from a discomfort that you have not dealt with. Ask The Lord to heal you, to help you rise above whatever it is and to strengthen your faith in that area of your life.

But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit. ( Jude 20 Amplified Bible )

Finally…….

Forgive people who may have unintentionally hurt you and apologise if you have been unintentionally insensitive. It was all due to a communication breakdown and these things happen! Romans 12 vs18 (Amplified Bible) says, ‘If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone’!

Be Encouraged

Sisbee

xxxx


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