Today, I took charge of a situation and received resistance from a family member. When I shared this later with a older friend, she advised me, “Ask questions. I’ve found people in general and my husband in particular to be less resistant when I say, “What do you think about this? How do you feel about this? Do you think…? What do you think might happen if you do this?”

Then they have the opportunity to think it through and share what they think. She said, “I’ve found there to be much less resistance when I approach it in that way.”

This takes some humility because we have a tendency to think we know what is best. However, when you open the situation up for some discussion and you are willing to yield to another person’s viewpoint, you may find you gain some insight into the situation you didn’t have before.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (NKJV)

What has been your experience? What questions do you have? How can I support you in resolving your relationship issues?