Since we all have different backgrounds and personalities, our needs may differ, as well. Something that’s beneficial for me may not be beneficial to the person I’m talking to.
I’ll share an example. I’m a very meditative type of person. I often reflect on past mistakes and look for lessons in them so I can try to improve. (However, I do have to be careful to let go of the regrets and just hang on to the lessons.)
My husband, on the other hand, prefers to forget past mistakes because, for him, they are more a source of regret and guilt than a positive learning experience. He does, however, graciously allow me to share some of our mistakes (and the lessons I learned) on my blog. So, I need to prayerfully discern whether or not to share certain thoughts with him. Will it benefit him, or hurt him?
That’s a good question to ask ourselves in any conversation. Will our words benefit the listener? Being aware of the listener’s needs will help us to know the answer to that question.
For discussion questions go to Categories and then Resources.
Such wisdom! Scripture talks about our tongues and the damage they do. Even in situations like you mentioned, when the damage is not intentional, our tongues can harm. It is so important to think before we speak. Thank you for bringing this point to light!