THE IMPORTANCE OF TACTFULNESS

 

I’ve been through different places in the Philippines because of ministry opportunities. I’ve met different culture, people, attitude and custom. Some people eat something I don’t like. Others make surprises that piss me off. And some others also might have a slight thing in common with me. With all those kinds of people, it’s easy to be angry or get disappointed over our differences. But since God created our uniqueness, I’ve learned and still learning that I should be able to think about what should I do not to offend them with my actions and even words. With that in mind, ministry or work becomes bearable despite the oppositions.

The Bible teaches us to be tactful. The verse in Proverbs 15:1 KJV says, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” The word tact in Hebrew word is rak means tender, delicate, and soft. It also means a keen sense of what to do or say in order to maintain good relations with others or avoid offense. Another meaning of tact is the ability to say or do the right thing without making anyone unhappy or angry. In this verse, we can learn principles of tactfulness.

Firstly, we need to think about our response. Having a positive purpose should be our motive in speaking or doing things for others. Answers need to be tender no matter our emotions. A keen response is always commendable. We need to be wise in every situation. Our tongue or word should be used skillfully or else it will bring chaos rather than benefit. The way we respond demands excellence, and not just the reason why we do it. If knowledge is communicated in a way that is pleasing to the receiver, it would make a great impact to their lives. What we know should not always be implemented especially when the situation is not fitted. Knowledge speaks volume when communicated properly. Having consideration to the situation of the listener and understanding the diplomatic way of communication makes a pleasing approach or intention to the receiver.

Being tactful means responding in a way that is commendable to the receiver of the information. Emotions should be acknowledged as it is not wrong to do it, then right thinking should back it up in order to make a peaceful relationship on both sides. Our main goal is to communicate clearly and edify the listener rather than traumatize them. Real truth transforms and not traumatizes the hearer.

Secondly, we need to return. The anger of the person we approach can be changed to calmness with the ability to speak and act gently or sensitively. Tactfulness can build up good relations. It also lays down any offense or hard feelings we have for each other. It deals with the situation where we stand in the place of who we are dealing with in order to properly relate to him or her what we desire for him to do. Here on earth, we build up a place where people could experience the essence of our original home and reflects its glorious nature. If in communication we make people feel at home, then we are tactful but when we’ve made a dividing wall relationally or emotionally against them, then we are doing the wrong thing. One-sided conclusion creates a huge illusion. Looking out about the positive and the negative side makes us weigh things in balance. The Lord is not one-sided but all sided and He is not bias in judging any situation or people.

Wrath could possibly be calmed down by a tactful attitude. Tact brings peace and order in relationships. Tactfulness builds bridges rather than walls. It promotes harmony rather than disunity.

Lastly, we need to be careful on how we reply. Words are powerful to either convey harshness or gentleness. The way we reply make wither a positive or negative result. Words should be carefully thought of to avoid unnecessary friction in our relationships. A wholesome tongue provides healing rather than depression. Tact is cure for an ill soul. Words are powerful to our health that is why sick people should declare more of being healthy rather than allow the circumstance to drown him or her. The weak should say I am strong, the poor should say I am rich for God’s namesake. Life words make us age long. Words last a lifetime in our memories. The words we speak can either boost or lose our appetite maybe in food, work, or leisure.

A tactful reply make us feel alive. The ability to heal or destroy depends on how we use our tongue. A healthy declaration manifests spiritual power to the physical. Speaking life means adding life to the environment.

Words are powerful. When we speak it carelessly, it becomes a burden rather than a blessing. When we desire to be tactful, we need to be careful or our response, return and reply to whoever we relate to. Through this, our world could be a better place when in the little environment we are in, we promote the peace of heaven and make our little tongue be like a fire that ignites the best in each of us rather than burn down our dreams, purpose, value and desires to ashes. This world is already fallen but since Christ is the Living Word, may we be like Him by thinking, speaking and showing what it like to be a Living Word of God.