How to Respond – To Even the Most Disagreeable Persons

In the book Our Daily Bread, there is a wonderful chapter (77), titled “To Respond”, which tells us how we should react to even the most vile character.

To Respond

Let your conversation always be gracious, seasoned with salt so that you may know how to answer everyone. – Paul (Col. 4:6)

The act of responding beneficially to heterogeneous minds require superior qualities that the individual should make an effort to acquire.

Points of view cannot be directed indiscriminately at fellow humans as they struggle with one another in evolutionary and redemptive tasks. It is necessary to address each one judiciously. One should not respond to someone working in the countryside by mentioning circumstances in the city. One should not use highly scientific remarks with someone complaining about the harshness of his or her individual path.

First of all, one must not be disagreeable to the listener; one should moderate the verbal attitude with a true grasp of life’s problems. It is our duty to make our contribution so that those who have strayed away from simplicity and usefulness may realign themselves.

Every response in an important matter is like medicine: one must apply the dose with its effects in mind. Each individual will tolerate and benefit from the proper dosage. Even the solutions of truth and love must not be administered without this criterion. Applied in inappropriate doses, even the truth could destroy, just as love can cause damage…

Even if questioned by the greatest evildoer in the world, you should maintain a pleasant and dignified manner to inform or to enlighten. Knowing how to respond is a virtue from the sphere of celestial wisdom. For your own sake, do not forget the best way of caring for each individual. [pp. 167-168]

I agree completely with what I have read above, but I fully realize that I will have difficulty in adhering to it. I shall try my best and will castigate myself when I fail, hopefully over time I may improve and capture a bit of the wisdom from the celestial sphere.

The spirit world sends us people to test us in these types of situations. This is why we are constantly paired with adversaries, people to try our patience and to help us improve. We should actually thank God for the training we receive. I cover this topic more in my book The Problem is the Solution: 7 Life Complications Sent to Test and Teach You.