Tactfully Giving Commendation
The apostle Paul showed the part tact plays in commending others, For example,while preaching in Athens on his second missionary journey, he defended Christianity before some Greek Philosophers. Note how he tactfully handled this difficult assignment. "Certain ones of both the Epicurean and the Stoic philosophers took to conversing with him controversially, and some would say: 'What is it this chatterer would like to tell?' others; 'He seems to be a publisher of foreign deities.' " (Acts 17:18) Despite such remarks, Paul maintained his composure and responded: "Men of Athens, I behold that in all things you seem to be more given to the fear of the deities than others are." Rather than condemn their idolatry, Paul commended them for being religiously devout. -Acts 17:22.
Was Paul being hypocritical? Not at all. He knew better than to judge his listeners; he was well-aware that he himself was once ignorant of the truth. His commission was to present God's message, not to judge others. He knew from experience what many of Jehovah's Witnesses today have found: Some sincere defenders of false religion eventually come to be among the strongest defenders of true religion.
Paul's approach was good, and it brought fine results. "Some men joined themselves to him and became believers, among whom also were Dionysius, a judge of the court of the Areopagus, and a woman named Damaris, and others beside them." (Acts 17:34) How wise Paul was to commend the Athenians for their sincere beliefs-even though false-rather than condemn them for their lace of accurate knowledge! People are misdirected by faulty information often have good hearts.
When called upon to make a defense before Herod Agrippa II, Paul also used a tactful approach. Herod was known to be carrying on an incestuous relationship with his sister Bernice, something clearly condemned by God's Word. Nevertheless, Paul spoke no words of condemnation. Rather he found a legitimate basis for commending Herod. "Concerning all the things of which I am accused by Jews, King Agrippa, I count myself happy that it is before you I am to make my defense this day, especially as you are expert on all the customs as well as the controversies among Jews." -Acts 26:1-3.
How wise it would be for us to use a similar tactful approach when we deal with others! Commending a neighbor, a fellow student, or a workmate can promote peaceful relations that heart and encourage good behavior. By reaching the heart through well-deserved commendation, we may at times be able to motivate sincere individuals to replace their false reasonings and actions with those more in line with accurate knowledge.
Next time: Jesus' Perfect Example of Offering Commendation
Watchtower, 2007
Showing posts with label Tactfully Giving Commendation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tactfully Giving Commendation. Show all posts
4.18.2011
Be Alert to the Importance of Commendation
Courteous and Respectful Counsel
Elihu, apparently a distant relative of Abraham, was instrumental in helping Job to get a balanced view of his relationship with God. Elihu was courteous and respectful. He patiently waited for his turn to speak. And whereas Job's professed friends only found fault, Elihu, besides offering counsel, was quick to commend Job for his upright course. He did so with warmth and with an obvious feeling of personal interest as a friend, using Job's name, unlike the others. He politely requested: "O Job, please hear my words, and to all my speaking do give ear." Respectfully putting himself in Job's place, he acknowledged: "Look! I am to the true God just what you are; from the clay I was shaped, I too." And then in commendation, he said: "If there are any words to say, make reply to me; speak, for I have taken delight in your righteousness." -Job 33:1, 6, 32.
Treating others courteously and respectfully is, in a sense, a way of commending them. In effect, we are telling our listener, 'I consider you worthy of my attention and worthy of being treated well.' Thus we convey a feeling of warmth and show our personal interest in him.
Being polite and courteous means more than just following the rules of good manners is a formal way. To reach the heart of others, our courtesy and politeness must be sincere and from the heart. They must be an expression of genuine interest and love.
Next time: Tactfully Giving Commendation
Watchtower, 2007
Elihu, apparently a distant relative of Abraham, was instrumental in helping Job to get a balanced view of his relationship with God. Elihu was courteous and respectful. He patiently waited for his turn to speak. And whereas Job's professed friends only found fault, Elihu, besides offering counsel, was quick to commend Job for his upright course. He did so with warmth and with an obvious feeling of personal interest as a friend, using Job's name, unlike the others. He politely requested: "O Job, please hear my words, and to all my speaking do give ear." Respectfully putting himself in Job's place, he acknowledged: "Look! I am to the true God just what you are; from the clay I was shaped, I too." And then in commendation, he said: "If there are any words to say, make reply to me; speak, for I have taken delight in your righteousness." -Job 33:1, 6, 32.
Treating others courteously and respectfully is, in a sense, a way of commending them. In effect, we are telling our listener, 'I consider you worthy of my attention and worthy of being treated well.' Thus we convey a feeling of warmth and show our personal interest in him.
Being polite and courteous means more than just following the rules of good manners is a formal way. To reach the heart of others, our courtesy and politeness must be sincere and from the heart. They must be an expression of genuine interest and love.
Next time: Tactfully Giving Commendation
Watchtower, 2007
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