Pre-conversation syndrome. Do you have it?
Okay, I made up that term, google it, it won’t be there. If you have ever played out a conversation in your mind, like a boxing match, “If they say this, I will say that,” you know what I am talking about.
It wastes your time, energy, and steals your peace of mind.
Jesus taught the apostles how to respond when unfavorable situations were before them, and their lives were not under their own control.
“This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.”
Luke 21:13-15 ESV
Jesus is making a promise that their conversation’s outcome will point back to the wonderment of God.
I have sat in uncomfortable and contradictory conversations, remaining quiet, seeking the Holy Spirit’s help for my response. Sometimes no answer comes, and so I say nothing to contradict or go along with the topic at hand.
Other times, I am given a dose of wisdom to speak, from a heart of peace.
Have you tried this before? If not, what is stopping you?
This does not mean the person listening will like or agree with what you have said, but you will have peace because you have waited on God.
Relationship with God is what matters most and Christ is promising a response that will point to God. For the listener and for you to be in awe of.
It does not get better than that.
God, thank you for this verse that teaches how to handle difficult conversations. Being right, apart from your ways, is simply pride. Guide my words with Your wisdom, and to You be the glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Happy Independence Day!
I would love to hear how you are celebrating the 4th of July this year.
Keep Walking on Mustard Seeds,
Michele Marie Weisman
PS For any of you who like updates on my devotional — I am interviewing people about prayer topics that they have life experience with. Praying for your City is multi-faceted and no one can claim experience with each issue. I welcome prayer for my writing process. : )
PSS If this post helped you, would you consider sharing it with someone you know? Thank you. : )
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“Scripture quotations are from The ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.”
This is an interesting idea that I will be turning over in my mind. Upcoming at some time this year, my brothers and I will be gathering to (finally!) get my mother’s ashes in the ground. (She’s been gone for 2.5 years, and in her ashen state sitting in a box on the mantle at her house.) Last year, one of my brothers and I had a falling out (over my husband) at the celebration of life for my mother, and he will not welcome my husband into his home. (And my husband is not inclined to want to go there, anyway, after that happened.) At the time, I reminded my brother that my husband and I are one, united in marriage and before God, and when he rejects my husband, he also rejects me. (We parted without harshness, but it is a rift.)
When this cemetery event happens, it is likely that my brother will invite everyone back to his house for a meal, but this puts me at odds. My husband will not attend the ceremony, in any case (he won’t be invited), but I feel that I will compromise my integrity and commitment if I do go to the house afterward.
This isn’t exactly a pre-conversation, but I see similarities between your idea and seeking an appropriate Christian path. I am inclined to suggest that we all go to a restaurant instead. I’ve been praying on it for a few weeks, ever since we got word that the gravestone has been completed and set in place.
If you or any of your readership here has ideas about how to handle this, I’ll appreciate it, as well as receiving prayers, too. Blessings to all!
Sally, your response is so thoughtful. Family divides are so painful and unfortunately too common. I believe, knowing that you keep your heart at peace with God as you try to find common ground with your brother is key. I am so sorry to hear, as you all need to put your Mother to rest, this pain is surfacing. I will pray that the Lord will bless this appointed time and bring clarity to all who attend. Thank you for sharing such a tender situation. Blessings be with you and your husband, Sally.
Thank you, Michele. Your prayers are a great comfort, and I appreciate the wisdom you illustrate through God’s work with you.
😘❌⭕️