3 Simple Ways to Communicate Like Jesus. Part 2
People See Clearer When They Aren't Looking at Themselves.
Jesus knew that people look at themselves with rose-colored classes.
My oldest son, Jed, is a mini version of me. I can see his sins much clearer than I can see my own sins, even though they are often the same sins.
As humans, we overestimate our own ability to see ourselves clearly.
George W. Bush said it this way, "Too often, we judge other groups by their worst examples while judging ourselves by our best intentions - forgetting the image of God we should see in each other."
The vast majority of the time, we view ourselves as being in the right and others in the wrong. Just look at most military conflicts and wars. Most people believe that their countries and soldiers are doing the right thing.
One of my Aunts grew up in the USSR, during the Cold War. Many of the things that they were taught about the evils of America mirrored the things Americans believed and taught about Russia.
Telling Stories
Jesus knew that Simon would be able to see the situation of gratitude and forgiveness clearer in a parable than he would be able to see the distinction between himself and a sinful woman.
It can be a very helpful tool to help people grasp a concept, through a story, before introducing the fact that it applies to them.
Something that I have begun implementing is looking for a time when I have made a similar mistake and use that story to bridge the gap so that others can learn from the lessons, I have learned the hard way.
Try telling stories and bridging the gap to situations, rather than beginning with a challenge or accusation.
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