Month: February 2010

Jesus made a choice to forgive those who nailed him to that cross – even though they never asked for it. That's amazing, yet forgiveness is such an important keep in connecting with other people. Many of the people we connect with will be different than us. Yet, often these kinds of relationships provide the … Continue reading Connecting Skills – 5. The Art of Forgiveness

Jesus was a very transparent person. He let his friends see him as he really was - in moments of joy, sadness, anger, and fatigue. His followers never had to guess whether he was delighted or disappointed. He modeled deep disclosure to a few trusted friends. Read this slowly ... Matthew 26:36-38. Then Jesus went with … Continue reading Connecting Skills – 4. The Art of Authenticity

Jesus had an amazing ability to see a person’s heart and their deepest needs – to understand things from their perspective. He could look beneath the surface of the matter (external) and see a person's heart (internal). He modeled the art of empathy. Pay attention to people. Look beyond their words to what is happening on … Continue reading Connecting Skills – 3. The Art of Empathy

Jesus was a person who had so much to say, yet he was a great listener. He was always asking questions. In doing so, he drew people out and got to know them and helped them get to know themselves. Relationships are built on communication and communication is built on good listening skills. Listening is … Continue reading Connecting Skills – 2. The Art of Listening

In order for us to connect or relate effectively with other people, we need to learn some important skills. These skills can help us as we connect with other people with our families at home, with co-workers in the workplace, and in small groups and serving teams at church. 1. The Art of Acceptance Jesus … Continue reading Connecting Skills – 1. The Art of Acceptance

Connecting with other people in close relationship is not as easy as it sounds. Sometimes we can develop an idealistic picture of what community should be, even in the church. The truth is that developing close and enjoyable relationships is not easy. John Ortberg has an excellent book on relationships with a great title: Everybody’s … Continue reading Everybody’s Normal … Till You Get to Know Them

"Edward Hallowell writes that for most people the two most powerful experiences in life are achieving and connecting. Most of what grabs our attention and commands our energy falls under these two categories. Connecting has to do with our relational world - things like falling in love, forming great friendships, being cared for when we are sick, … Continue reading Connecting