A SOFT GLOVE
II Corinthians 12:16
"But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by
cunning!"
I think this may be another example of Paul's use of sarcasm. I'm not sure that being crafty and cunning are truly admirable Christian attributes. As an apostle, Paul could have demanded that they support him, but he chose to not be "burdensome" (vs. 14) in order to win them. But be that as it may, an oblique approach – call it crafty and cunning if you want – often gets better results than direct confrontation. It is called "tact." Harshness and abruptness are usually not effective ways to communicate. If I boldly tell someone the truth (like, "you have halitosis"), it will probably not be received well. There are better ways to get my point across, like giving them some breath mints. It does not change the truth, but it makes it more likely my message will be received. In any relationship, a soft glove is usually more effective than a steel bat.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A "soft glove" approach is usually preferable to direct confrontation.
[end]
Have a "soft glove" day. Love you.
II Corinthians 12:16
"But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by
cunning!"
I think this may be another example of Paul's use of sarcasm. I'm not sure that being crafty and cunning are truly admirable Christian attributes. As an apostle, Paul could have demanded that they support him, but he chose to not be "burdensome" (vs. 14) in order to win them. But be that as it may, an oblique approach – call it crafty and cunning if you want – often gets better results than direct confrontation. It is called "tact." Harshness and abruptness are usually not effective ways to communicate. If I boldly tell someone the truth (like, "you have halitosis"), it will probably not be received well. There are better ways to get my point across, like giving them some breath mints. It does not change the truth, but it makes it more likely my message will be received. In any relationship, a soft glove is usually more effective than a steel bat.
TODAY'S PRINCIPLE: A "soft glove" approach is usually preferable to direct confrontation.
[end]
Have a "soft glove" day. Love you.
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