Article March 25, 1985 Issue

Don't react—respond!

EDWIN G. LEEVER

We generally think of reacting in this way: "When he said that to me, I exploded!"

But we do not necessarily have to react! Think what a difference it can make if we make an intelligent, honest response to what is said or done, instead of automatically reacting. The result can be gentle, constructive, even humorous.

We all know how important it is, after all, to make sure we are doing all we can to get—or better still, keep—a conversation or situation in an atmosphere of mutual respect and good-naturedness. In this environment there is an increasing willingness to listen to another's opinion. But what's the best way to bring this about? By prayerfully responding in the only true way—God's way—to what's being said or done. Responding honestly on this basis does not include letting the mouth run rampant, telling that individual just what we think of him or her humanly.

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