Today, I’m passing on some insights from my wise husband. Now here’s Larry.
I peeled for weeks after a day at a Southern California beach. Having grown up in Phoenix, I was no stranger to the sun’s burning rays. What I didn’t know is that my body could burn under pleasant temperatures.
My sunburn left me hypersensitive. I didn’t want anyone to breathe on me let alone pat me on the back.
Did you know we can become emotionally sunburned? Emotional sunburn makes us extra sensitive to casual interactions with others. Ironically, the times I’m most sensitive may be the time I most need healing truth.
Perhaps you’re trying to relate to someone in a highly sensitive state. They jump to defend themselves, deflect your input, or lash out when you try to help. To better communicate with the highly sensitive, remember:
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Connect Not Correct
The primary goal should be to connect not to correct (Ephes. 4:15). When I am empathetic and transparent, people will know they can trust me. For example, when a wife needs more personal time with her husband, saying, “I miss being with my friend,” relates better than, “You’re not spending enough time with me.”
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Respect; Don’t Press .
You’re part of an orchestra. The Lord often uses multiple people and situations to convey truth (1 Cor 3:6-9). I might have a prominent role in sharing important truth, yet it’s not up to me to convince, therefore I don’t need to press.
Some of those I counsel don’t change their minds while in my office. But as they consider and encounter reinforcement for what we’ve discussed their perspective often shifts.
We’re here to help you with your area of concern. You are important to God and to us.
Blessings,
Update
- Pray for families dealing with adultery.
- Praise God for Jill Briscoe’s visit and pray for a fruitful time for her and her ministry Just Between Us.
- Pray for a couple to develop a good marriage and discover a relationship with Jesus.
Sometimes I link with these great sites:
Tea &Word Tuesday, #Kelly Balarie & Friends, #Recharge Wednesday, #Coffee for Your Heart, #TuneinThursaday, #HeartEncouragment #Dance with Jesus, #Grace and Truth, #FreshMarketFriday
Photo by Federico Giampieri on Unsplash
Definitely words of wisdom. That picture of being emotionally sunburned is very powerful. Great analogy.
Thanks, Ann. Anyone who’s been sunburned understands! 🙂
Love your statement, “Connect not Correct”. One of the things we are reminded is that we are not here to “fix” a problem someone is having. We are here to listen and pray and be empathic. Great post.
Well said, Melissa. Thank you.
Sound advice indeed, Larry. I try to pause before speaking in dealing with someone who is sensitive. Sometimes they need you to listen. I ask God to give me the words before speaking, Thank you for sharing your insights. Be well, and God bless.
Horace, that is always wise advice. Love hearing from you!
Very well said, my friend! You make an excellent comparison to your sunburn and being emotionally “sunburned.” I think most (if not all) of us can relate to that at least once or twice in our lives.
Pam, I agree that it’s easy to relate to sunburn analogy. God bless you, my friend.