We get called into conversations of conflict and controversy, whether we like it or not.  Out of the blue someone can express an opinion that sends a shock wave through a conversation and then we are faced with how to respond, or not. Many a book has been written on how to best manage these difficult moments.  Any, or all, of them would be good for us as I suspect that in the coming years we will be challenged more and more.  Many of the external topics that once would have never been spoken about in the workplace are now prevalent.  So, we should be prepared to speak in a way that promotes positivity and unity so that we don’t get caught up in the talk that divides or alienates others.

Pastor Isaac Adams offers these ways for us to speak when talk about issues of disagreement or the challenging of positions and beliefs:

1) Biblically
2) Humbly
3) Locally
4) Kindly
5) Prayerfully
6) Justly
7) Patiently
8) Carefully
9) Impartially
10) Truthfully
11) Realistically
12) Hopefully

When in doubt, reference back to this list. It’s a good list to keep with us.

Reference:  Proverbs 31:26 (New Living Translation)