Category Archives: relationships

2/19/24 MondayMatters: Christian Assertiveness

2/19/24 MondayMatters: Christian Assertiveness

https://youtu.be/Na6AQntGZuk?feature=shared

Are Christians allowed to be assertive? What does it mean to “speak the truth in love”? The issue of being assertive and being Christian always seems to be a difficult task. Christian assertiveness seems like a contradiction in terms. It is not only possible, but probably important for the Christ follower. Here is a brief conversation about Christian assertiveness.

There is something that feels non-Christian about assertiveness. Christians are supposed to be loving. They should be humble. They turn the other cheek. But assertiveness is not being unkind or rude. Assertiveness is speaking the truth clearly without the intention of hurting someone’s feelings.
In Matthew 15 Jesus at first refuses to heal the daughter of the gentile woman that comes to Him. He appears almost rude. I don’t understand all of that but it does show that even Jesus was assertive.

4 Observations:

1. Assertive is more kind than not assertive.

2. Assertiveness demonstrates trust.

3. Assertiveness puts the relationship ahead of self.

4. Assertive makes room for conversations. (I left this one out of the video.) 🤓

So, learn to “speak the truth in love.”

Say what you mean and mean what you say.

Verbalize your feelings.

Set clear expectations.

And express mutual respect.

Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no root of bitterness springs up within you..”

 

 

2/12/24 MondayMatters: How to Travel (Through Life) With the One You Love

2/12/24 MondayMatters: How to Travel (Through Life) With the One You Love

https://youtu.be/Gu3fiLLzuec?feature=shared Life is a  journey. You will never take another step in the same exact place. Here are 5 things to remember when your traveling companion is the love of your life. 1. Remember the joy of the journey. 2. Take turns driving. 3. Take frequent rest stops. 4. Don’t be afraid of the detours.… Continue Reading

Black History Month: In The Beginning Was The Relationship

Black History Month: In The Beginning Was The Relationship

The creation story starts with the familiar words, “In the beginning, God.”  It goes on to include some physical phenomena, a move of the Spirit, and eventually, man and woman made in “our,” a plural God, image.  That verse could have as easily said, “In the beginning was the Relationship.” God is nothing if He… Continue Reading

8/21/23 MondayMatters: The Hearts of the Children

8/21/23 MondayMatters: The Hearts of the Children

Nothing could be more heart breaking, I imagine, than the estrangement of our children. And yet it happens so many time. I meet couples all of the time that are suffering from separation from their children, sometimes without knowing why. The one thing we cannot do is lose hope. Here are some thoughts about God’s… Continue Reading

7/31/23 MondayMatters: Grandparenting

7/31/23 MondayMatters: Grandparenting

How do you connect with your grandkids? How do we talk to the younger generation in general? Here are five things to remember when you are working with the young people in your life. Remember they are people. Remember they have personality. Remember they have parents. (And you are not them.) Remember they are the… Continue Reading