Choosing Kindness in Hard Conversations

Sunday Rewind is a 5-day Devotional based on the weekly sermon at Resonate Community Church

February 1st Sermon, Day 5

Some of the most transformative moments in our relationships happen during the conversations we'd rather avoid. When someone disagrees with us, hurts our feelings, or challenges our perspective, our natural instinct is often to defend ourselves or prove we're right. But what if we chose a different path?

Kindness in difficult conversations isn't weakness; it's love in practical action. It means choosing to be curious instead of defensive, asking questions to understand rather than to trap, and genuinely caring about the other person's perspective even when we disagree. This approach requires us to step outside our own story - our pain, our agenda, our need to be right - and truly see the person in front of us.

When we do this, something beautiful happens. Instead of two people fighting to be heard, we create space for real connection and understanding. In the sermon, Pastor Jolaina shared how she chose to remain curious during a heated discussion, asking open questions to understand what was motivating the other person. Instead of a defensive argument, it became a vulnerable, supportive conversation where both people felt heard and respected. Even without complete agreement, they experienced unity and connection - and sensed God's presence hovering over them.

This is the power of approaching hard conversations with kindness and genuine curiosity. We don't walk this road alone; God's Spirit empowers us to love others well, even when it's difficult. When we choose kindness, we create opportunities for healing, understanding, and deeper relationship.

Bible Verse

'Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.' - Ephesians 4:32

Reflection Question

Think of a difficult conversation you need to have or are currently avoiding - how might approaching it with genuine curiosity and kindness change the outcome?

Quote

I chose to be kind, remain curious, ask open questions to learn further about what that person was thinking and what was motivating them to respond the way they were.

Prayer

Lord, give me the courage to approach difficult conversations with kindness and genuine curiosity. Help me to step outside my own perspective and truly see and hear others. Let Your love flow through me, creating space for understanding and connection. Amen.