There may be feelings which help us patiently endure whatever is needed, but often our feelings are the very thing we must endure in order to love people.

“Love endures all things.”  1Cor.13

Feelings often get in the way of constructive dialogue. Hurt feelings come from the unfulfilled expectations we have of others. You might wonder if we have a right to expect certain things from a spouse or friend. Perhaps so, but expectations can be the death or life of a relationship depending on where we set our hope for happiness. Humans are much too fickle for that. Give your expectations, especially of others, to God and give your very best efforts to what you can give, not just receive. Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2015

There may be feelings which help us patiently endure whatever is needed, but often our feelings are the very thing we must endure in order to love people.

“Love endures all things.”  1Cor.13

Feelings often get in the way of constructive dialogue. Hurt feelings come from the unfulfilled expectations we have of others. You might wonder if we have a right to expect certain things from a spouse or friend. Perhaps so, but expectations can be the death or life of a relationship depending on where we set our hope for happiness. Humans are much too fickle for that. Give your expectations, especially of others, to God and give your very best efforts to what you can give, not just receive. Conversations Within” ts 7/25/2015

“I can't promise you a perfect relationship without arguments and differences, but I can promise you that as long as you're trying, I'm staying.” Unknown

“A friend loves at all times.” Prov.17

True friendship can stand the test of disagreement. This is because the relationship is based on the commitments of love, not on being right. After a heated argument, some will see it as an end to the friendship. On the other hand, true friends may argue but will inevitably call the next day to make up. In true friendship, there is the understanding that arguments are expected if they are to learn from one another. True friendship is forever because love itself is forever.  Conversations Within” ts 7/24/2015

“I can't promise you a perfect relationship without arguments and differences, but I can promise you that as long as you're trying, I'm staying.” Unknown

“A friend loves at all times.” Prov.17

True friendship can stand the test of disagreement. This is because the relationship is based on the commitments of love, not on being right. After a heated argument, some will see it as an end to the friendship. On the other hand, true friends may argue but will inevitably call the next day to make up. In true friendship, there is the understanding that arguments are expected if they are to learn from one another. True friendship is forever because love itself is forever.  Conversations Within” ts 7/24/2015

“I don’t argue I just explain why I am right very loudly.” Unknown

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.” 1 Kings 19

I have volume control problems. My wife says that I have a natural microphone and she is always trying to turn down the volume. Increased volume may communicate our passion about something, but it does not validate what we are saying. Yelling is probably a no no in a constructive conversation. God preferred to speak to the Prophet in a quiet whisper, not the raging fire. I should think it wise to follow His lead and tone it down. Yelling is rarely effective unless you are shouting a warning like, “SHARK!” Even then, the result may be panic and not what you would prefer. Conversations Within” ts 7/23/2015