A few years ago I shared a challenge I was having with one of my children with a friend of mine, CB, who helps care for our church. I so appreciated his first response. He asked, “Mark, how are you doing?”
Before you start giving advice to someone, ask how they’re doing.
CB could have begun making various suggestions of things I could do with my child. He could’ve shared pertinent parenting Bible verses. But as a great pastor, he first cared for my soul.
Yes, there was a time for advice and talking about how I should approach the situation. But that came later.
Before you start giving advice to someone, ask how they’re doing.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Especially with your spouse.
Seriously, guys. Don't try to fix her problem until you've listened thoroughly to her and let her unload her burdens. That's half the solution right there.
CB rocks and so do you my fried.
CB is one of my favorite people in the world. He definitely rocks.
Amen.
{ 1 trackback }