Needing another perspective

[Bowtech]

This will help you

1. Get past the past. (Philippians 3:13-15)

Want to get past it.
Work to get past it.
Choose to forgive, from the heart.
Learn to live in today.
If needed, get help from a godly counselor.
2. Watch what you say. (Proverbs 13:3; 18:21; Ephesians
4:29-32)

Understand the power of your words.
Think before you speak.
Never verbally assault someone's dignity, self-worth or
character.
Don't manipulate with your words.
Use words to build, not to destroy.
3. Look at your looks. (Proverbs 15:1)

Non-verbal communication includes:

The tone and spirit of your words.
Your facial expressions.
Your body posture.
Appropriate eye contact.
Your emotional temperature.
4. Open your ears - close your mouth. (Proverbs 4:20; James
1:19, 20)

How to be a better listener:

Learn to focus your full attention in conversations.
Listen for the other person's heart - the emotions beneath
the words.
Seek to understand the other person.
Get feedback on whether you are hearing the other person
correctly.
Avoid assumptions.
Sit on your tongue!
5. Beware of danger zones in communication. (Ephesians
4:26, 27)

How to handle danger zones:

Be tender.
Consider your timing.
Be tactful.
Be tentative.
Know when to table a topic.
Trust God - don't try to fix everything yourself.
6. Own your own feelings, attitudes and actions. (Psalm
51:4)

Take responsibility in your interactions with others by
avoiding:

Defending.
Defaming.
Blaming.
Shaming.
7. Avoid superlatives, comparisons and exaggerations.
(Proverbs 10:19)

8. Be a peacemaker. (Matthew 5:9)

Genuinely value peace.
Clear your spirit of contention.
Seek resolution and reconciliation when conflict surfaces.
Freely ask for forgiveness.
Quickly forgive.
Relinquish your right to be right.
Pray for peace in your relationships.
9. Make big and regular deposits in the love accounts of
others. (Philippians 1:9)

10. Pray, play, worship and work together.

Praying together draws our spirits into agreement with God
and our hearts in union with one another.
Playing together builds positive family memories and links
family with fun.
Worshiping together builds our spiritual character and
challenges us in our spiritual growth.
Working together teaches us teamwork and builds appropriate
family esteem.